THE chief executive of Ferguson Marine has confirmed a major milestone in the handover of the troubled new CalMac ferry MV Glen Sannox.

John Petticrew announced on Tuesday that the six-years-late ship has been given the green light to carry passengers.

The issuing of a passenger certificate for the ship follows sea trials held during September and October..

Mr Petticrew, the yard's interim chief executive, told members of the Scottish Parliament's net zero, energy and transport committee that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyds Register have now issued the final regulatory certificates for the ship.

READ MORE: Glen Sannox handover date 'to be confirmed imminently'

All that's now left is to complete required legal and contractual processes before the ship can be officially handed over to Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), the Scottish Government's ferry procurement body.

It's not yet known when that will take place, though it's thought the formalities could be completed within the next few days.

Once handed over it's understood that CalMac Ferries Ltd, which will operate the ship, will need a little more than six weeks to get it ready for service - though it's not yet clear exactly when it will be introduced into service.

The ship is destined for the main route to and from Arran, though both the Glen Sannox and its sister ship Glen Rosa will have to use Troon as their mainland port, rather than Ardrossan, as upgrade work to the North Ayrshire terminal still hasn't been agreed, let alone started.

In his latest update sent to the Scottish Government's Net Zero Energy and Transport Committee, Mr Petticrew said: "We are pleased to provide an update on the progress of MV Glen Sannox.

"Ferguson Marine has been working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Lloyd’s Register to secure the vessel’s mandatory certifications.

"We are delighted to share that MV Glen Sannox has now obtained full regulatory approval, including its passenger certification.

READ MORE: Glen Sannox 'will need repairs before it's ready to carry passengers'

"Subject to the completion of the required legal and contractual processes, the vessel will be officially transferred to its new owners, CMAL.

"Control of the vessel will then be handed to CalMac who require six and a half weeks for operational readiness and annual recertification activities.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders who have contributed to this process. We wish the MV Glen Sannox and its crew smooth and successful voyages in the years to come."

The original contract price for the MV Glen Sannox and sister vessel, the MV Glen Rosa was £97m, but the total costs will be well in excess of £400m

Work on the second ferry, MV Glen Rosa , has proceeded more smoothly since her launch earlier this year, and the ship is expected to be delivered in September.

The news comes just days after one of CalMac's oldest ferries, MV Hebridean Isles, was retired from service after 39 years - placing extra pressure on the company's Clyde and Hebrides fleet.

CalMac's resources are already stretched to the limit because of the prolonged absence of the main Arran ferry, MV Caledonian Isles, which has been out of service since January for major repairs - currently being carried out by Dales Marine in Greenock - and isn't expected to make a return to the Ardrossan-Brodick route until March.