Achi news desk-
The ferry and its sister ship the Glen Sannox are now around six years late and will cost around three times the original price of £97 million.
MV Glen Rosa, formerly known as Hull 802, is a 102-metre dual fuel vessel that will be able to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO).
When completed, it will have the capacity to carry up to 852 passengers plus at least 127 cars or 16 heavy goods vehicles, or a combination of both.
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It is expected to be delivered by September 2025 and will serve Arran on the Ardrossan to Brodick route.
The former boss of the shipyard, David Tydeman, was sacked last month due to “performance issues”, as further delays to the ferries were expected.
Following Mr Tydeman’s firing, the chief executive of state-owned ferry company CalMac, Robbie Drummond, was also sacked this week.
Prime Minister Humza Yousaf said ministers had not ordered the dismissal.
He told the PA news agency: “No, these are independent decisions by the board.
“We expect there will be a laser-like focus on delivery for our isolated communities.”
He said he had full confidence in Mr Hobbs – the current head of CMAL.
He added: “It is up to the board of these organizations to make any decisions regarding the management.
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“Our direction – from me, from Mairi McAllan and Transport Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop – is very clear.
“Focusing on delivery, and that is really essential not only for the Government and the organizations involved, but very important for the island communities we are trying to serve.”
The Scottish GMB union said the launch of the Glen Rosa must herald a new era for Ferguson Marine.
Gary Cook, GMB Scotland’s senior engineering organizer, said: “Seeing such a vessel being launched into the Clyde is an all too rare reminder of this river’s proud shipbuilding heritage.
“This yard and these workers can help ensure that heritage is protected for future generations of shipbuilders but only with the support of ministers.
“No one, apart from the islanders, wanted these ferries to end more than the workforce, who have been blameless in this evil process but have been used as a political punchbag for many too long.”
He also called for the contract for seven small ferries to CalMac to be awarded to the yard as a matter of urgency in order to give security to the workforce and protect the yard’s skills.
Mr Cook said: “The Scottish Government must commit to building the small ferries at Fergusons to create a pipeline of work that will ensure shipbuilding on the Clyde continues for generations to come.”
Beth Atkinson, a qualified welder who completed her apprenticeship at the yard, cut a special bottling of Ardgowan blended malt whiskey from the hull to launch the ferry.
John Petticrew, the shipyard’s interim chief executive, said: “This is a proud day for the shipyard, for the people of Inverclyde and for everyone who has supported Ferguson Marine to reach this landmark moment.
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“The MV Glen Rosa is the 363rd vessel launched on the Clyde under the Ferguson Marine name. At around 3,000 metric tonnes, she is considerably heavier than her sister ship, the MV Glen Sannox, was launched and sets a new record for the yard in terms of weight at launch.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the two new ferries, following the successful sea trials of the MV Glen Sannox in February and last week. This shows the hard work being done by everyone at the yard to complete both ferries as quickly as possible.
“The MV Glen Rosa will now take her place quayside, where Glen Sannox recently left, so that her interior installation can continue.”
Scottish Well-being Secretary for the Economy, Mairi McAllan, who was present at the launch, said: “This is an important milestone for the shipyard and, very importantly, provides an opportunity to recognize the workers who have contributed to building the MV Glen Rosa.
“I was proud to be able to join such an important event for the community, and I look forward to seeing Glen Rosa join the service next year and provide vital services to our isolated communities.”
When asked about possible further delays to the ferries which are already years late and over budget, Mairi McAllan told the PA news agency that she expected an update from the board next week.
“Regarding the possible delay, the new management team was clear to me that they wanted to question some of the underlying basis for that,” he said.
“They are now doing that and I expect an update next week.”
