THE Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow, still standing as a proud beacon of Inverclyde's shipbuilding heritage, was teeming with excited spectators yesterday as the 363rd vessel launched under the firm's name entered the Clyde for the first time.
Glen Rosa, the second of two dual-fuel ferries being built for Caledonian MacBrayne, glided majestically into the water to cheers and applause after years of delay.
It was a day of celebration on the slipway as hundreds of members of the public joined workers and dignitaries inside and outside the gates for the official naming ceremony.
Qualified welder, Beth Atkinson, who completed her apprenticeship at the yard last year, smashed a specially-bottled Ardgowan Distillery 'Clydebuilt' whisky off the near-300 tonne ship - the heaviest in the yard's history at launch. She was considerably heavier than sister vessel, MV Glen Sannox, which launched in November 2017, as she made her way into the river in front of onlookers at Coronation Park and Newark Castle.
Local minister, Rev William Boyle, blessed the vessel, while the district's kilt-clad MSP Stuart McMillan piped her down the slipway.
Four other female apprentices stood on the podium alongside Ferguson's recently-appointed interim CEO, John Petticrew, and wellbeing economy secretary, Mairi McAllan.
Mr Petticrew, from Greenock, 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.
“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."
The 102-metre MV Glen Rosa, capable of operating on liquefied natural gas and marine gas oil, will now take her place at the quayside, so that her internal fit out can continue before a planned September 2025 handover date.
Designed to carry 127 cars, 16 heavy goods vehicles - or a combination of both - and up to 852 passengers, the Glen Rosa will service the Arran route along with the Glen Sannox.
Ms McAllan said: “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.”
The new CalMac ferry Glen Rosa has now been launched at Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow 🚢👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/6v7yPEcstb
— Greenock Telegraph (@greenocktele) April 9, 2024
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive, CMAL said: “It is a welcome sight to see Glen Rosa successfully launched and enter the water.
"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 Ferguson's to get them delivered as soon as possible.”
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