Cheers as MV Glen Rosa ferry finally launched in Port Glasgow

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One of the 2 late and over-budget ferries has finally been launched at a shipyard on the River Clyde.

There had been cheers from these watching as the MV Glen Rosa was piped into the water on the publicly-owned Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow on Tuesday.

The ferry and its sister vessel the Glen Sannox at the moment are some six years late and can price round 3 times the unique value of £97 million.

MV Glen Rosa, beforehand recognized as Hull 802, is a 102-metre twin gas vessel which will probably be able to working on liquefied pure gasoline (LNG) and marine gasoline oil (MGO).

When full, it’ll have the capability to hold as much as 852 passengers plus a minimum of 127 vehicles or 16 heavy items automobiles, or a mix of each.

It is because of be delivered by September 2025 and can serve Arran on the Ardrossan to Brodick route.

The former head of the shipyard, David Tydeman, was sacked final month over “performance-related issues”, as additional delays to the ferries had been anticipated.

The GMB Scotland union stated the launch of the Glen Rosa should herald a brand new period for Ferguson Marine.

Gary Cook, GMB Scotland senior organiser in engineering, stated: “The sight of such a ship being launched into the Clyde is a 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 finished more than the workforce, who have been blameless in this sorry process but been used as a political punchbag for far too long.”

He additionally known as for the contract for seven small ferries for CalMac to be awarded to the yard urgently to offer certainty to the workforce and defend the talents on the yard.

Mr Cook stated: “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 professional welder who accomplished her apprenticeship on the yard, smashed a particular bottling of Ardgowan blended malt whisky off the hull to launch the ferry.

John Petticrew, the shipyard’s interim chief govt, stated: “This is a proud day for the shipyard, the people of Inverclyde and every individual who has supported Ferguson Marine reach this landmark moment.

“MV Glen Rosa is the 363rd vessel launched on the Clyde under the Ferguson Marine name. At around 3,000 tonnes, she is considerably heavier than her sister vessel MV Glen Sannox was at launch 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 success of MV Glen Sannox’s sea trials in February and last week. This demonstrates the hard work being done by everyone at the yard to complete both ferries as soon as possible.

“MV Glen Rosa will now take her place at the quayside, at the spot Glen Sannox recently vacated, so that her internal fit out can continue.”

Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy Secretary Mairi McAllan attended the launch.

She stated: “This is an important milestone for the shipyard and, importantly, provides an opportunity to recognise the workers who have contributed to the building of the MV Glen Rosa.

“It is fitting that it was launched by Beth Atkinson, a highly skilled welder who trained at Ferguson Marine, and who represents the future of Scottish shipbuilding.

“I was pleased to be able to join such an important event for the community, and look forward to seeing Glen Rosa enter service next year and provide vital lifeline services for our island communities.”

Days after the shipyard’s former boss was sacked, the CalMac chief govt officer Robbie Drummond was faraway from his publish with Duncan Mackison put in as his interim substitute.

Mr Mackison stated: “Today’s successful launch is a positive step forward and we are looking forward to welcoming MV Glen Rosa into the CalMac fleet.

“When she enters service, she will provide much-needed resilience and capacity to the Arran community.”

The Scottish Government has been requested for remark.