MV Glen Sannox, the UK’s first LNG ferry, has been has been formally handed over to CalMac.
Capt Michael Mackinnon from Barra hoisted the CalMac company flag on her forward mast, marking MV Glen Sannox’s delivery to Scottish Government ferry agency, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).
CalMac will now commence operator’s tests and her first crew are undertaking familiarisation trials as they build up their knowledge and understanding with the way the ship moves and operates.
The final paperwork was signed on Wednesday.
MV Glen Sannox is the first of two dual fuel ferries being built by Ferguson Marine at Port Glasgow.
She will be deployed by CalMac on the Arran route but her maiden passenger voyage with timetabled sailings is unlikely to occur until into January.
Launched into the Clyde in November 2017, she is the first vessel in the UK to have
a dual-fuel propulsion system which can use both conventional marine gas oil (MGO)
- similar to diesel - or liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Over recent weeks Glen Sannox has become a familiar sight during her sea trials on the Clyde, testing her manoeuvrability, acceleration and speed.
The formal signing means the vessel has met all requirements of Lloyd’s Register and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
John Petticrew, interim chief executive of Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow), said it was a proud occasion for everyone at Ferguson Marine. “Today is a day to look forward. Glen Sannox is a fine vessel, well capable of providing decades of service for islanders and visitors.
“However, 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 said: “This is an important milestone for Ferguson
Marine as it delivers the first LNG dual-fuel ferry to be built in the UK.
“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.”
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive officer at CMAL, said: "I’m sure many people will join us in celebrating this milestone today. It has been a long time coming, but we have now taken ownership of the MV Glen Sannox, and are just weeks away from her entering service.
“This is the first of six major vessels being replaced in our fleet, with the other five well underway. We are working hard to rejuvenate the Scottish ferry fleet and infrastructure, on behalf of communities across Scotland."
Duncan Mackison, CalMac's interim CEO, said: "MV Glen Sannox is a welcome addition to the CalMac fleet.
“Her arrival will benefit communities across the whole west coast ferry network, as new tonnage gives us more flexibility in how we deploy vessels. 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."
Long-
21 November 2024
