New Scottish ferry handed over from Ferguson shipyard

The UK’s first dual-fuel ferry, MV Glen Sannox, has been formally handed over to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) by Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow).

This marks a significant milestone in British shipbuilding, as the vessel becomes the first in the UK equipped with dual-fuel propulsion, capable of operating on both marine gas oil (MGO) and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Launched into the Clyde in November 2017, Glen Sannox has recently completed extensive sea trials, testing her manoeuvrability, acceleration, and speed. The formal transfer of ownership on 20th November confirms the vessel has met all requirements of Lloyd’s Register and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

John Petticrew, Interim Chief Executive of Ferguson Marine, called the occasion a proud moment for the shipyard. “Today is a day to look forward. Glen Sannox is a fine vessel, well capable of providing decades of service for islanders and visitors. However, there is no doubt it’s been a long haul getting to this point, and we sympathise with ferry users who have waited so long to see this day. Looking to the future, our ability to adapt, learn from, and successfully overcome considerable challenges demonstrates the resilience and skills of our workforce, and will provide huge value as we tender for future contracts.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes highlighted the importance of the vessel in enhancing the resilience of Scotland’s ferry fleet. “This is an important milestone for Ferguson Marine as it delivers the first LNG dual-fuel ferry to be built in the UK. The Glen Sannox will provide resilience to the fleet delivering vital lifeline services to islanders, and I am encouraged that the Scottish Government’s wider programme to procure six new ferries by 2026 has taken another major step forward.”

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive Officer of CMAL, celebrated the vessel’s completion and its future impact. “I’m sure many people will join us in celebrating this milestone today. It has been a long time coming, but we have now taken ownership of the MV Glen Sannox, and are just weeks away from her entering service. This is the first of six major vessels being replaced in our fleet, with the other five well underway. We are working hard to rejuvenate the Scottish ferry fleet and infrastructure, on behalf of communities across Scotland.”

Duncan Mackison, Interim CEO of CalMac, emphasised the operational benefits the vessel will bring. “MV Glen Sannox is a welcome addition to the CalMac fleet. Her arrival will benefit communities across the whole west coast ferry network, as new tonnage gives us more flexibility in how we deploy vessels. Our crew are excited to sail her and will now get to work to complete operational trials and familiarisation work in the next few weeks before she enters service for Arran.”

MV Glen Sannox – Key Facts

• Length: 102 metres
• Capacity: 852 passengers, 127 cars, and 16 HGVs
• LNG stored at -160°C to -170°C in a cryogenic tank
• Officer and crew quarters accommodate up to 32 people
• Equipped with two Wartsila dual-fuel main engines and two auxiliary engines
• Bridge features port and starboard wing control units for precise manoeuvring