Further delays expected to Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa ferries
Last updated 26th Mar 2024
The late and over budget Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa ferries could face a further two month delay, according to Ferguson Marine bosses.
The pair of ferries have faced multi-year set-back, and have now broken the original budget of £97m to come with an estimated £360m price tag instead.
In a letter to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee at Holyrood on Thursday, Ferguson chief executive David Tydeman revealed there are now issues with the commissioning of the liquid natural gas (LNG) propulsion systems for the ships.
"I advise that there are some supplier issues around the commissioning of the LNG systems which could, if they cannot be mitigated, cause up to two months delay," he wrote.
"We are urgently exploring mitigating actions and will update by the end of January 2024 following consideration by the board at its January meeting."
Due to bad weather hampering works, the Glen Sannox also missed its window for dry-docking.
As a result, the ship will undergo sea trials between January and March next year, and dry-dock between April 3 and 7.
The Glen Sannox had been slated for delivery in March next year.
At next month’s board meeting, the full impact on the changes to dry docking will be assessed, according to a spokesperson.
They said: “Glen Sannox will now make the trip to dry-dock on April 3, which is the first free slot at Dales Marine due to bookings made by other vessels.
"Instead of happening before the sea trials programme as initially planned, this will now take place after the trials are complete.
"While at dry-dock, final surveys of the ship's underwater body will be carried out by Lloyds Register and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and is likely to take three to four days.
"The impact of this later dry-docking on eventual handover will be reviewed and clarified in discussion with all partners."
Construction of the Glen Rosa - which is due to be delivered next year - is on track to be completed on March 12.
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said the news is "extremely concerning", adding: "I also note with deep disappointment that the CEO has also signalled a risk of further delay, and I have continued to impress upon the CEO that any further slippage in the programme would have a considerable impact on the island communities.
"I also met with the chair of Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow and have impressed on him the need to ensure that every possible mitigation to further delays is in place."
Scottish Labour transport spokesman Alex Rowley said: "It beggars belief that even more delays seem to be on the horizon for these long-awaited ferries.
"The Cabinet Secretary's sympathetic words will ring hollow with the islanders and shipyard workers dealing with years of ferry chaos on the SNP's watch.