Glen Sannox Ferry, Central to Scotland’s Ferry Controversy, Now Delivered

The Ferguson shipyard has delivered the MV Glen Sannox, a vessel central to Scotland’s ongoing ferry issues, precisely seven years following its launch. This ship, intended for CalMac’s Arran service, represents the first significant new addition to the west coast ferry fleet in almost ten years. The ferry operator plans to conduct several weeks of trials for crew familiarisation before the vessel begins transporting passengers in January. The Glen Sannox was initially scheduled for delivery in 2018; however, it encountered substantial design and construction difficulties, leading to the most protracted political dispute of the devolution period. Expenses have escalated from an initial contract value of £97m to exceed £400m, a figure that incorporates £45m in government loans which were not entirely recouped. This delivery occurs precisely seven years after the vessel’s notable launch by former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, at which point it featured painted-on windows and funnels made of plywood. In the intervening period, the Port Glasgow shipyard has experienced administration, subsequent nationalisation, and numerous frustrating delays while contending with intricate engineering issues to finish the dual-fuel vessel. These postponements also interfered with plans for replacing vessels, placing significant strain on CalMac to sustain services with its progressively older and less dependable fleet. Alex Logan, the GMB union convener who has been employed at the Inverclyde shipyard since the age of 16, stated that this was a momentous occasion for both the shipyard and Scotland’s island communities. He remarked, “It’s been a long hard struggle – everyone knows this, the troubles we’ve had with Glen Sannox – but we’ve finally got it over and we’re looking forward to the islanders getting a vessel.” He further added, “I can only apologise on behalf of the workforce – but it’s not any fault of the workforce. It was bad planning, bad design – but eventually we’re here and I’m glad.” The 102.4m (336ft) vessel was officially transferred to CMAL, the state-owned entity responsible for owning Scotland’s west coast ferries and leasing them to CalMac. Following the completion of all necessary documentation, Michael Mackinnon, the new Master of Glen Sannox, boarded the ship and hoisted CalMac’s house flag for the inaugural time. John Petticrew, the interim chief executive of Ferguson Marine, pronounced the ship “a fine vessel, well capable of providing decades of service for islanders and visitors.” He continued, stating, “There is no doubt it’s been a long haul getting to this point, and we sympathise with ferry users who have waited so long to see this day. Looking to the future, our ability to adapt, learn from, and successfully overcome considerable challenges demonstrates the resilience and skills of our workforce, and will provide huge value as we tender for future contracts.” Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes described the event as a significant milestone. She commented, “The Glen Sannox will provide resilience to the fleet delivering vital lifeline services to islanders and I am encouraged that the Scottish government’s wider programme to procure six new ferries by 2026 has taken another major step forward.” Duncan Mackison, CalMac’s interim chief executive, stated that the vessel would enhance the entire network, offering the operator greater adaptability in deploying ships. He further noted, “Our crew are excited to sail her and will now get to work to complete operational trials and familiarisation work in the next few weeks before she enters service for Arran.” Sue Webber, the Scottish Conservative transport spokeswoman, criticized the Scottish government, alleging it had “betrayed islanders at every turn and squandered an eye-watering amount of taxpayers’ money in delivering the Glen Sannox.” She continued, stating, “Seven years ago today Nicola Sturgeon promoted this ferry to much fanfare, only for it to be then embarrassingly revealed that it had painted-on windows and was clearly nowhere near ready for service. Now islanders must finally hope that this lifeline ferry will be setting sail soon. However, SNP ministers should not be patting themselves on the back at this long-awaited news.” The Glen Sannox ranks as the second-largest vessel to join the CalMac fleet and is the first ferry constructed in the UK capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG). CalMac, also owned by the Scottish government, will now dedicate six and a half weeks to conducting crew familiarisation and harbour berthing trials. The ship will additionally commence its annual maintenance schedule, with two weeks of inspections planned for early December, prior to transporting its initial passengers from Troon to Brodick on Arran, likely in mid-January. The construction of Glen Sannox’s sister vessel, Glen Rosa, is progressing with fewer issues and is anticipated for delivery in September of next year. The procurement of these two ferries has emerged as one of the most significant public purchasing failures since legislative authority was transferred to Holyrood. The Glen Sannox was initially slated for delivery in May 2018, with the Glen Rosa projected to follow two months subsequent; however, from its inception, the construction was beset by design difficulties and disagreements concerning escalating expenses. The contracts were granted in 2015, a year after Ferguson Shipbuilders, the final commercial shipyard on the River Clyde, was saved from administration by the successful businessman Jim McColl, through an agreement facilitated by then-first minister Alex Salmond. Although these vessels surpassed the scale and complexity of any prior undertakings by the modest Port Glasgow shipyard, the new proprietors pledged fresh investment and expressed confidence in their ability to complete them. Nevertheless, the relationship between the shipyard’s new leadership and CMAL rapidly deteriorated, with each party attributing the emerging issues to the other. Jim McColl asserted that a deficient concept design by CMAL, along with repeated requests for changes and external interference, resulted in unanticipated expenses. CMAL, conversely, contended that McColl’s firm had simply demonstrated an incapacity to design and construct the vessels, and that no contractual grounds existed for further payments. This impasse led to the company’s financial depletion, and Ferguson’s re-entered administration in August 2019. It was subsequently brought under state ownership, preserving 350 positions, yet the new leadership, headed by “turnaround director” Tim Hair, encountered difficulties in resolving the problems. He departed the company in early 2022, having received almost £2m for 18 months of work, with both vessels still significantly unfinished. His successor, David Tydeman, characterized the complexities of integrating the LNG system into the confined machinery areas as more intricate than constructing a Type 26 frigate. Mr. Tydeman was himself later dismissed by the Ferguson board earlier this year following the failure to meet another delivery deadline.