The first of two newbuilds, MV Glen Sannox, has been formally delivered to Scottish operator CalMac, seven years after it was officially launched.
The much-delayed dual-fuel ferry built by Fergusan Marine shipyard, the Clyde, was due to be delivered in 2018, will now undergo more than six weeks of checks. On completion, the new vessel is to enter on the Arran route in south-west Scotland.
CalMac said it anticipated the new 1,000-passenger ferry will serve the Forth of Clyde route between Ardrossan, north Ayrshire on the mainland, and Brodick as soon as January 2025.
The development comes after it was announced this week that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Lloyd’s Register had signed off on the safety of the 105m ferry to carry passengers. In addition to 127 cars and space for 16 freight vehicles.
The announcement on the leadship to be followed by Glen Rosa brings one of the longest-running political issues in Scotland one step closer to being over. Initially the twins were to cost around £97m but are now expected to quadruple that amount.
More The National reports on the first ferry in the UK to have a dual-fuel propulsion system using conventional marine gas oil (MGO), similar to diesel, or liquefied natural gas (LNG).
This involves two Wartsila dual-fuel main engines and two auxiliary engines, running generators.
