The long-delayed and over-budget Glen Sannox has now been handed over to new owner CMAL by Ferguson Marine.
The ferry has been the subject of controversy over the year after first being launched into the Clyde in November 2017, but a series of delays and faults have meant it hasn’t gone into service.
The announcement of the vessel being handed over to CMAL brings one of the longest running political issues in Scotland closer to an end.
The ferry was due to be finished originally in 2018 at a cost of £97 million but it was repeatedly delayed and is expected to cost up to four times more than originally planned.
Sea trials have taken place in recent weeks for Glen Sannox on the Clyde, testing her manoeuvrability, acceleration and speed but even that led to further delays after some problems needed sorting.
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A blackout led to a fire detector going off and shut down the boat’s engine but the problems now appear to be over.
The vessel is the first in the UK to have a dual-fuel system which can use conventional marine gas oil or liquified natural gas.
John Petticrew, interim chief executive of Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow), said it was a proud occasion for everyone at Ferguson Marine. “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 said: “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 at CMAL, said: "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.
Duncan Mackison, CalMac's interim CEO, said: "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."
GMB Scotland, who are the biggest union at Ferguson Marine, has praised the workers at the shipyard and says the priority now has to turn to securing more work for the yard.
Louise Gilmour, GMB Scotland secretary, said a steady pipeline of work is crucial to protect the yard, starting with contracts for new small ferries for CalMac.
She said: “The workers at Ferguson Marine are skilled, committed and entirely blameless for the errors made during this project.
“They have done their job to the highest quality, working tirelessly to deliver two huge ferries, which their yard was ill-equipped for, despite the many problems not of their making.
“Now firms from around the world are being asked to bid to build Scotland’s small ferries, exactly the kind of work this yard successfully completed for generations.
“There is no doubt that work should come to Port Glasgow and the future of Ferguson Marine secured.
“These are skilled and experienced workers who must be protected because, given the chance, only they can build a bright, successful future for their yard. They deserve that opportunity.”
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