Ferguson Marine’s delayed ferry, MV Glen Sannox, has secured full regulatory approval, including passenger certification, according to a letter from interim chief executive John Petticrew to the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.
In his update to Edward Mountain MSP, convenor of the committee, Petticrew confirmed that the shipyard has been working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Lloyd’s Register to achieve the mandatory certifications.
“We are delighted to share that MV Glen Sannox has now obtained full regulatory approval, including its passenger certification,” Petticrew stated, adding that the vessel is set to be transferred to its new owners, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), once the legal and contractual processes are completed.
Following the transfer, control of the vessel will be handed to CalMac Ferries, which requires six and a half weeks to carry out operational readiness and annual recertification activities. These steps will prepare the ferry for its long-awaited entry into service on Scotland’s lifeline ferry routes.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders who have contributed to this process. We wish the MV Glen Sannox and its crew smooth and successful voyages in the years to come,” Petticrew wrote.
The MV Glen Sannox, one of two dual-fuel ferries originally commissioned in 2015 to serve Scotland’s island communities, has faced repeated delays and cost overruns, drawing criticism over its prolonged construction timeline. Its completion marks a significant milestone for Ferguson Marine and the Scottish Government, as efforts to address Scotland’s ferry infrastructure challenges continue.
The vessel’s regulatory approval brings it closer to finally serving the public, a development eagerly awaited by island communities that rely on reliable ferry services for transport and supplies
Good grief. Progress. Scotland probably only needs another 20 ferries and all will be well.
Very annoying for all the Scots who depend on reliable ferries.
With the money spent on these two disasters half the fleet could have been renewed!