THE interim CEO of Ferguson Marine has confirmed that the handover date for the long-awaited Glen Sannox has been pushed back until mid-August.
In a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, John Petticrew outlined the ‘challenges to complete’ before the vessel can be delivered to CalMac.
The ferry was due to be passed over by then end of July, but this has now been delayed until August 19.
Mr Petticrew said this was due to problems relating to Glen Sannox’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) system.
In his letter, he said: “The LNG system has been well documented as the biggest challenge we were facing since our last report.
“It has proved even more difficult and has impacted the progress in other areas, namely the engine compartments.
“We still have a small portion to complete in the commissioning, but this has been moved to an alternate shift so as not to have further interference with other critical activities.
“This has resulted in a movement of the schedule causing a slight delay with delivery now being week commencing 19th August 2024.
“We are working with CalMac and CMAL at the highest level to ensure there will be no further delays.
“Regarding the final cost to go we have reviewed the status and even with the revised delivery date, we remain confident within the range previously forecast, namely the £145.5m to £149.1m.”
Ferguson’s hope to complete the final portion of LNG testing within the next week and have commence the last stages of steam cleaning and painting of engine spaces.
The shipyard must then sign off the commissioning and piping system, as well as completing inclining trials and acceptance trials.
Mr Petticrew’s letter also provided an update on Glen Rosa, noting that he does not expect the vessel to exceed £150 million.
He said: “The final schedule is nearing completion and there has been a significant increase in activity onboard the vessel however, it is still not at the rate we would like to see.
“The delivery of Glen Sannox will release several key members of staff who will bring their experience and lessons learned to the fore on Glen Rosa.
“Several large subcontractor packages will be given final approval after a thorough review of scope and price.
“As noted previously the team is focused and understand the need for the completion of both vessels to support the CalMac operations.”
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