Years late and millions over-budget ferry given go-ahead to carry passengers

A years late and millions over-budget ferry has obtained full regulatory approval, its shipyard has said.

In a letter to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, interim chief executive John Petticrew said the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyd’s Register had signed off on the Glen Sannox.

The ship’s passenger certification was included in the approvals.

It will soon be passed to ferry procurement body Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) before being handed to operator CalMac for more than six weeks of checks ahead of it entering service.

In the letter, Mr Petticrew said: “We are delighted to share that MV Glen Sannox has now obtained full regulatory approval, including its passenger certification.

“Subject to the completion of the required legal and contractual processes, the vessel will be officially transferred to its new owners, CMAL.

“Control of the vessel will then be handed to CalMac, who require six-and-a-half weeks for operational readiness and annual re-certification activities.”

The announcement brings one of the longest running political issues in Scotland one step closer to being over.

In 2019, the yard was saved from administration by the Government, laying bare the issues facing the Glen Sannox and its sister ship the Glen Rosa.

Initially planned to cost around £97 million and be delivered in 2018, the cost is now expected to be around four times higher, while delivery dates have been repeatedly pushed back.

CalMac said it anticipated the MV Glen Sannox would enter service during the winter timetable period.