FOLLOWING the official handover of the long-awaited MV Glen Sannox, the Telegraph has taken a look back at the vessel's journey from the awarding of the contract to completion.
Ferguson Marine confirmed today that the ship has been passed over to its owner, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), after final paperwork was signed last night.
She will now undergo crew familiarisation trials before entering service for CalMac.
Along with MV Glen Rosa, the Glen Sannox has faced prolonged delays as costs of the build spiralled over the years.
Take a look back at how the saga unfolded:
August 2014 - 'End of an Era'
Around 70 people were left without a job after Ferguson's went bust, leaving Inverclyde facing up to the devastating end of an era.
Workers were in tears after being told that administrators had been called in.
Apprentice Jill Hughes, 21, told the Telegraph: "We are shocked more than anything. This was a bombshell, a total blow.
"Everyone is worries they won't get a start elsewhere, and me and the other apprentices are scared we won't get out time served anywhere else."
September 2014 - Shipyard bought over by Jim McColl
Mr McColl said: "We want to be good employers for Inverclyde and bring back vitality to this yard."
October 2015 - £97 million CalMac order placed
Ferguson's bosses heralded a 'new era' of shipbuilding on the Clyde after a £97 million ferry order was officially places with the yard.
Managing director Liam Campbell described the deal as 'a great achievement' for both the site and the local community.
February 2016 - Work begins in Port Glasgow
At this time, it was hoped the first ferry would be completed by May 2018, with the second following a few months later.
November 2017 - MV Glen Sannox is launched by Nicola Sturgeon
History was made at Ferguson's as the UK's first dual-fuel ship was launched into the Clyde.
MV Glen Sannox was sent down the slipway by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a packed ceremony in Port Glasgow.
Ms Sturgeon said: "It's a special day for Ferguson's and a big achievement."
August 2019 - Ferguson Marine is nationalised
The future of the yard had been in jeopardy due to a row over the completion of the CalMac ferry contract.
At this stage, a dispute over the extent of design changes meant the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, then known as Hull 802, were running 17 and 23 months late, respectively.
Delivery of the vessels was expected to cost double the original £97million price tag.
December 2020 - Report brands ferry saga a 'catastrophic failure'
A damning probe into the construction of the two ferries branded the now £200million saga a ‘catastrophic failure’.
The Scottish Government’s Rural Economy and Connectivity committee launched its investigation in October 2019.
A report published in December 2020 said evidence exposed a lack of due diligence on the part of Port Glasgow-based CMAL.
It was also critical of the Scottish Government’s willingness to proceed despite the apparent risks in awarding the contact to Ferguson Marine.
September 2022 - Costs jump to £340 million
The cost of delivering the two ferries continued to rise over time, with the shipyard confirming in September 2022 that the bill had jumped to almost £340 million.
As of July 2023, this was estimated to be around £351 million – with the ferries now being five years behind schedule.
February 2024 - Glen Sannox leaves Ferguson's under her own power
September 2024 - Sea trials continue as LNG fuel is loaded
The ship left her berth at Inchgreen for another phase of testing after the loading of her LNG fuel was completed.
November 2024 - Ferguson Marine hands vessel over to CMAL
The occasion was marked by the raising of a red ensign on-board the vessel.
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