CalMac’s considerably delayed new-build ferry, Glen Rosa, at the Ferguson Marine shipyard has been set back yet again for at least another six months.
The second of the twins, which is millions over budget and 7 years late, was designed originally to enter the Ardrossan-Arran route, where the leadship, Glen Sannox, only entered service earlier this year.
It is the first UK-built ship capable of running off liquefied natural gas (LNG) as well as conventional diesel; however, like the Glen Rosa, the total cost of both new builds approaches £460m – more than four times the initial £97m figure.
Both ferries, each with an 852-passenger, 127-car, and 16-lorry capacity, were originally to be launched in 2018 at the Port Glasgow shipyard but have faced years of delays.
The 7,040 gross tons Glen Sannox was finally launched last year but had a setback only two months later with a hull crack and returned to service using Troon (see related story). Whereas the 102m twin Glen Rosa was expected to be delivered in September 2025, the nationalised Clydeside shipyard on Tuesday announced that the ferry won’t be ready until at least April 2026.
Now it is estimated that the total cost has increased by £35m—including a £12.5m contingency—to £185m. The figure comes after reports that parts of the second ferry were removed for use on the Glen Sannox.
ITV News has more on the ongoing shipyard saga.
