FERGUSON Marine has officially handed over the long-awaited MV Glen Sannox car and passenger ferry to owner Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL).

The milestone was marked with the raising of a red ensign by a CalMac ship master, with the final paperwork being signed last night.

The Port Glasgow-built vessel is the first in the UK to have a dual-fuel propulsion system which can use conventional marine gas oil – similar to diesel – or liquified natural gas (LNG).

John Petticrew, interim chief executive of Ferguson Marine, said: “Today is a day to look forward.

"Glen Sannox is a fine vessel, well capable of providing decades of service for islanders and visitors.

“However, there is no doubt it’s been a long haul getting to this point, and we sympathise with ferry users who have waited so long to see this day.

MV Glen SannoxMV Glen Sannox (Image: Robert Perry) “Looking to the future, our ability to adapt, learn from, and successfully overcome considerable challenges demonstrates the resilience and skills of our workforce, and will provide huge value as we tender for future contracts.”

Glen Sannox has become a familiar sight on the River Clyde in recent weeks as her manoeuvrability, acceleration and speed were tested.

The formal signing last night means the vessel has now met all requirements of Lloyd's Register and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive officer at CMAL, said: "I’m sure many people will join us in celebrating this milestone today.

"It has been a long time coming, but we have now taken ownership of the MV Glen Sannox, and are just weeks away from her entering service.

"This is the first of six major vessels being replaced in our fleet, with the other five well underway.

"We are working hard to rejuvenate the Scottish ferry fleet and infrastructure, on behalf of communities across Scotland."

CalMac interim CEO Duncan Mackison added: "MV Glen Sannox is a welcome addition to the CalMac fleet.

"Her arrival will benefit communities across the whole west coast ferry network, as new tonnage gives us more flexibility in how we deploy vessels.

"Our crew are excited to sail her and will now get to work to complete operational trials and familiarisation work in the next few weeks before she enters service for Arran."

Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan welcomed the news and praised the work of staff at Ferguson's.

He said: “I’m delighted that MV Glen Sannox has now been handed over to CMAL. This is a huge milestone for Ferguson Marine, and I want to thank the workforce for their determination to finish the vessel.

"Most importantly however, this will be welcome news for Scotland’s island communities.

“The focus must now be on securing future work for the yard so that more new vessels for our ferry fleet can be delivered. As always, I will continue to engage with Ferguson’s board, the Shop Stewards, and the Scottish Government on this matter.”

(Image: Robert Perry) The area's MP Martin McCluskey added: "I want to pay tribute to the workforce at Fergusons, who have worked diligently while dealing with some of the most difficult circumstances.

“It is crucial that once the MV Glen Rosa is handed over that there is an order book for the yard and its future is secured.

"It was disappointing after everything that the workforce has been through that the Scottish Government rejected calls for a direct award to the yard for future ferry orders.

"It is welcome that they have reached the shortlist for the small vessels replacement contract and I will continue to call for this work to come to Ferguson Marine in order to maintain jobs in our community and shipbuilding on the lower Clyde.”