Ferry is one of two dual-fuel vessels which are six years late and will cost around three times the original price of £97 million
Hull 802, officially named MV Glen Rosa, will enter the water for the first time on April 9 at the Ferguson Marine yard in Port Glasgow.
The ferry is one of two dual-fuel ships being built at the yard which are some six years late and will cost around three times the original price of £97m.
When complete they will serve routes in the west of Scotland for CalMac.
Hull 802 measures 102-metres and will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO).
It will have the capacity to carry up to 852 passengers plus at least 127 cars or 16 heavy goods vehicles, or a combination of both.
It is due to be delivered by September 2025 with the launch into water described as a “significant milestone” in the shipbuilding programme.
Glen Sannox, the sister ship to Glen Rosa, successfully completed its first sea trials in February using only marine gas oil.
The Glen Sannox, still under construction at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow, and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with local MPs Martin Docherty-Hughs and Brendan O’Hara.
It was controversially launched by Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister, with painted on windows.
It was indicated last week that the Glen Rosa’s dual-fuel system may not be ready for the planned handover in late May.
Both ships were designed to run on both traditional marine gas oil and LNG, which is much greener, and are the first in the UK to be built with a dual-fuel system.
The announcement of the Glen Rosa launch comes days after CEO of Ferguson Marine was sacked after telling ministers further delays on ferries currently being built by CalMac are “likely”.
David Tydeman’s contract was terminated by the state-owned company’s board.
Following the firing of Mr Tydeman, the chief executive of state-owned ferry operator CalMac, Robbie Drummond, was also removed from his post this week.
Interim chief executive John Petticrew will oversee the launch alongside five female employees, wellbeing and economy secretary Mairi McAllan and Rev William Boyle who will bless the vessel before it launches.
Beth Atkinson, a qualified welder who completed her apprenticeship at the yard, will smash a bottle of whisky to officially name and launch the vessel.
A significant ” milestone ” the Calmac say!
Me I would have said a significant “millstone” for at six years late and over THREE TIMES the original price it certainly is that. But just marvel at the declaration that the launch is a “milestone” What Chutzpah is that. Most people with a disaster like this would have kept their corporate gob shut.
Poor old Scotland, once built ships, trains, cars and a lot more. Now proud to launch a ship over three years late and insanely over budget.
Wha’s like us. And then we wonder why all our goods are manufactured in the east. De-skilled with falling education we’re superpower material. Or am I missing something.