IN the latest setback for Scotland’s troubled ferry construction project, the delivery of the MV Glen Sannox has been pushed back yet 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 MV Glen Sannox, intended to serve as a crucial addition to the CalMac ferry fleet, has been plagued by a series of delays and setbacks since its initial commissioning. These ongoing issues have frustrated islanders and raised questions about the management of the project.
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.
Years-Long Delays: A Summary
The MV Glen Sannox project has faced numerous challenges over the years, contributing to its prolonged delay:
- Technical Complexities: The dual-fuel propulsion system, designed to use both traditional marine diesel and LNG, has proven more complicated than initially anticipated.
- Supply Chain Issues: Delays in obtaining specialized components, as evidenced by the current pipework problem, have repeatedly hampered progress.
- Shipyard Difficulties: The Ferguson shipyard, responsible for constructing the ferry, has faced financial troubles and management changes, further impacting the project timeline.
- Design Modifications: Necessary alterations to the original design have led to additional delays and cost overruns.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: Like many large-scale projects, the construction of the MV Glen Sannox was affected by work stoppages and supply chain disruptions during the global pandemic.
The cumulative effect of these factors has resulted in a project that is years behind schedule and significantly over budget. As the latest delay unfolds, questions continue to mount regarding the project’s management and the impact on the communities relying on this vital maritime link.
