The Glen Sannox Saga: A Ferry Tale of Delays and Determination
Hold onto your life jackets, folks, because we’re about to embark on a rocky journey through the waters of Scottish shipbuilding! The MV Glen Sannox, the new CalMac ferry that has taken what feels like a century to build, is finally ready to carry passengers. And you thought waiting for your tea to brew was a test of patience!
After what can only be described as a production saga laced with more twists and turns than a Scottish highland road, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Lloyds Register have finally issued the holy grail of regulatory certificates that declare this vessel fit for passengers. That’s right, they’re putting humans on this thing!
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, shall we? This ferry was supposed to be ready for launch back in May 2018. But it turns out constructing a ferry in a nationalized shipyard with more bureaucracy than an episode of “Yes Minister” isn’t exactly smooth sailing. Who knew? The Glen Sannox ran into “design struggles” and disputes over those pesky costs that seem to rise faster than a hot air balloon at a picnic.
A Certification Celebration
John Petticrew, the interim chief executive of Ferguson Marine (who must have nerves of steel), sent a letter to MSPs detailing this double-whammy of regulatory approval – it’s like getting a gold star in the maritime world! He couldn’t contain his delight, writing: “MV Glen Sannox has now obtained full regulatory approval, including passenger certification.” Well, isn’t that just lovely? I can almost hear the applause from Arran to the Main Land!
But before you rush to book your ferry ticket, keep your enthusiasm in check. Glen Sannox will require about six-and-a-half weeks of crew familiarization trials before it officially sets sail. Cue collective groans from commuters eager to escape the mainland!
The Cost of Building a Ferry
And while we’re on the cost topic – let’s not forget the original contract price of £97 million! That’s right, it’s wise monetary advice to avoid asking how much it’s really going to cost because we’re reportedly looking at well over £400 million at this point. That’s *not* just your average “forgot my wallet” fare!
One might feel a fleeting sense of sympathy for Ferguson Marine, who took on this epic challenge after the company’s near brush with bankruptcy. It’s worth mentioning that the contracts awarded in 2015 were for two ferries, but right now, Glen Rosa is the star of the show, expected to deliver in September next year without the melodrama. Go Glen Rosa!
Waiting for the Auld Trooper
While Glen Sannox prepares for its debut, CalMac is facing some maritime mess of its own, trying to maintain a winter timetable. Major vessels are out of commission, and the aging MV Hebridean Isles was officially retired – which is a polite way of saying it was sent to the great ferryyard in the sky, leaving its fellow vessels feeling like the *Auld Trooper*. The icing on the cake? Our trusty ferry services are now being kept afloat by the beloved 41-year-old MV Isle of Arran and a very un-trustworthy chartered catamaran.
In summary, the MV Glen Sannox is finally on the verge of setting sail, an achievement triumphantly trumpeted by Ferguson Marine, despite the years of explicit escapades, financial strife, and bureaucratic chaos. Just remember, even if this ship ends up at the bottom of the sea, it certainly won’t go quietly.
Stephen LiptonThe new CalMac ferry currently under construction at Ferguson shipyard has received its necessary approvals to carry passengers.
Final regulatory certificates for MV Glen Sannox have been issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Lloyd’s Register, validating the ship’s readiness for service.
CalMac, the Clyde and Hebrides ferry operator, will conduct several weeks of crew familiarization trials before the vessel can officially commence operations on its designated route.
Originally slated for delivery in May 2018, the construction of this dual-fuel vessel has been severely delayed due to design complications and disputes over escalating costs.
John Petticrew, the interim chief executive of Ferguson Marine, shared the positive news regarding MV Glen Sannox in a recent communication to members of the Scottish Parliament.
He expressed enthusiasm over the full regulatory approval obtained, including the vital passenger certification for the ferry.
Pending the execution of necessary legal processes, the vessel is on track to be transferred to its new owners, CMAL.
Following this, control will shift to CalMac, which requires over six weeks to ensure operational readiness and certification activities.
Glen Sannox stands as the second largest vessel ever constructed for CalMac and notably is the first UK-built ferry designed to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
PA MediaFerguson’s was awarded the contracts for both Glen Sannox and the sister ship Glen Rosa in 2015, shortly after it was saved from administration, highlighting significant turnaround efforts by businessman Jim McColl.
However, construction quickly encountered obstacles with the yard’s management citing a poorly-defined specification and undue interference by CMAL, the government-owned body in charge of procurement.
In contrast, CMAL attributed the challenges to severe failures on the contractor’s part, escalating tensions between the involved parties.
After months of deadlock over rising expenses, the firm succumbed to financial struggles, leading to its nationalization and ongoing setbacks for the project.
Originally budgeted at £97 million for both vessels, projected costs have now soared beyond £400 million, with Glen Sannox expected to make its long-awaited debut over six years late.
Construction on the second ferry, Glen Rosa, is reportedly proceeding with greater efficiency, and it is slated for delivery next September.
Stephen LiptonGlen Sannox has successfully completed recent sea trials, demonstrating solid performance, although some issues were noted that require further attention before final approval.
Once handed over, it will mark the entry of the first new large vessel into the CalMac fleet since 2015, adding to the operator’s capacity.
The ferry operator is currently working to manage a winter timetable amid challenges, as the MV Caledonian Isles is likely to remain unavailable until March.
In addition, the aging MV Hebridean Isles was retired recently as its regulatory certifications have expired, underscoring the pressing need for modern replacements.
Currently, services to Arran are being sustained by another vessel built by Ferguson, the 41-year-old MV Isle of Arran, affectionately known as the “Auld Trooper,” alongside a chartered catamaran.
What are the key features and certifications of the MV Glen Sannox ferry?
The MV Glen Sannox, a dual-fuel ferry, has received its final regulatory certificates from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Lloyd’s Register, affirming its readiness for service. The Clyde and Hebrides ferry operator, CalMac, will conduct several weeks of crew familiarization trials before the ferry can officially start operations on its assigned route.
Originally scheduled for delivery in May 2018, the Glen Sannox faced significant construction delays due to design challenges and disputes regarding rising costs. John Petticrew, interim chief executive of Ferguson Marine, announced the positive update about the ferry to members of the Scottish Parliament, highlighting the full regulatory approval and essential passenger certification obtained. The vessel is expected to transfer to its new owners, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), after necessary legal processes are completed. Following the transfer, CalMac will take control and will require more than six weeks for operational readiness and certification.
The Glen Sannox is notable for being the second-largest vessel ever built for CalMac and the first UK-built ferry designed to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). Both the Glen Sannox and its sister ship, Glen Rosa, were contracted to Ferguson’s in 2015, which faced financial struggles and nationalization due to ongoing challenges during the construction process. Originally budgeted at £97 million, the costs for both vessels have surged to over £400 million, with the Glen Sannox set to debut over six years late. Construction on Glen Rosa is reportedly progressing more smoothly, with an expected delivery in September next year.