THE latest sea trials carried out on the troubled MV Glen Sannox ferry have been hailed a success by Ferguson Marine.

Interim chief executive John Petticrew reported that the testing was an 'overall success'.

The update follows a disruption to the trials last week after a blackout caused by a power cut on the vessel led to yet another delay on Thursday, October 3.

But the sea trials were finally completed successfully on Thursday October 10.

He went on to inform the chair of the Scottish Parliament's Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee that they will provide a handover date to CMAL as soon as it is confirmed.

In a letter to the committee chair, Edward Mountain, Mr Petticrew said: " These trials included testing of the steering gear, manoeuvring, speed, stopping, thrusters, noise and vibration, unmanned machinery space (UMS), and endurance.

"We are pleased to report that the trials were an overall success. Additionally, we have fully resolved the setup of the fire and gas detection system.

"Two successful LNG bunkerings were also carried out, and the LNG tank level alarms were tested and approved on Saturday.

"Although further work is ongoing, we will provide the committee with a definitive handover date as soon as it is confirmed."

The ferry is currently due to be handed over to operators CMAL later this month.