Trials of late and overbudget ferry 'an overall success'

Ferguson Marine is calling sea trials of the MV Glen Sannox an “overall success”.

The years-late and over-budget ferry completed a number of tests after construction work was completed at the Port Glasgow yard.

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

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 this 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."

CalMac were unable to comment at this time.

The Scottish Conservatives were contacted for comment.

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