Years late and millions over-budget ferry faces further delays

A years late and millions over-budget ferry due to be delivered on Monday is delayed again.

Trials of the MV Glen Sannox have been an “overall success” after construction work was completed by publicly owned shipbuilding company Ferguson Marine last week.

However, in a letter to Scotland’s transport committee, the yard said it would provide a “definitive handover date” as soon as it is confirmed.

It comes after a blackout caused by a power cut on the vessel led to another delay on Thursday, October 3.

The Glen Sannox and a second ferry being built by Ferguson Marine, the Glen Rosa, are now six years late and will cost around three times the original £97m price tag.

On Friday, Ferguson Marine sent a letter to Sir Edward Mountain, Conservative MSP and convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport (NZET) committee, stating a number of sea trials that took place between Tuesday and Thursday last week had gone to plan.

The letter, sent by the shipbuilder’s interim CEO John Pettigrew, says the trials included testing the ship’s steering and manoeuvring, speed, stopping, thrusters, noise and vibration.

They also included testing of Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS) and endurance.

The shipbuilders have said they will provide the NZET committee with a handover date as soon as it is confirmed.

It adds: “We are pleased to report that the trials were an overall success.

“Additionally, we have fully resolved the setup of the fire and gas detection system. Two successful LNG (liquified natural gas) bunkerings were also carried out, and the LNG tank level alarms were tested and approved on Saturday.

“Although further work is ongoing, we will provide the committee with a definitive handover date as soon as it is confirmed.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government continues to work closely with Ferguson Marine and delivery partners, and it is encouraging to see that the sea trials have been a success for Glen Sannox.

“The deputy first minister has made clear to Ferguson Marine the importance of the two ferries entering service as soon as possible so that they can deliver a high-quality service to our island communities.”

CalMac said it anticipated the MV Glen Sannox would enter service during the winter timetable period.