THE interim CEO of Ferguson’s says today's launch of the long-awaited ferry Glen Rosa has been a 'proud day' for Inverclyde.

Like her sister vessel MV Glen Sannox, the ship is being built in Port Glasgow on behalf of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to serve CalMac.

The 102-metre roll-on/roll-off vehicle passenger ferry will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas and marine gas oil.

She is designed to carry 127 cars, 16 HGVs and up to 852 passengers.

John Petticrew, interim CEO, said: “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.

Greenock Telegraph:

"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.”

READ MORE: Glen Rosa launches at Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow

CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs added: “It is a welcome sight to see Glen Rosa successfully launched and enter the water today.

“This is a step in the right direction for the two dual fuel vessels, with MV Glen Sannox completing a dry docking and further builder’s trials last week.

“We know how important these two vessels are for the Arran community, and for both vessels to start serving the island.

“We will continue to work with Fergusons to get them delivered as soon as possible.”

It is anticipated that Glen Rosa will delivered to CalMac by September next year, where she will service the Ardrossan-Brodick route.

Duncan Mackison, interim CEO of the ferry operator, said: “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.”