Ferguson Marine ferry Glen Rosa sets sail for sea trials

The Glen Rosa, the second of two long-delayed ferries built at the Ferguson Marine shipyard, has set off for its builder’s sea trials.

The 102-metre long ferry set sail from Inchgreen docks in Port Glasgow on Thursday.

It will undergo tests in the Firth of Clyde, with specialists measuring its handling and propulsion systems.

Glen Rosa’s sister vessel, the Glen Sannox, entered service with Calmac early in 2025 after years of delays.

The current timetable is for Glen Rosa to be handed over in February 2027, after the expected date slipped from the end of this year.

Ferguson Marine, which is owned by the Scottish Government, said new propeller blades would be installed on Glen Rosa before it is handed over, as well as its LNG fuel system being completed.

Andrew Milligan, executive director of technical at Ferguson Marine, said: “Commencing sea trials is a pivotal moment for Glen Rosa and reflects the tremendous hard work and technical skill across our Port Glasgow shipyard.

“These trials allow us to put the ship’s integrated systems through their paces at sea, validating months of dockside testing and outfitting.

“Our team remains completely focused on producing quality work and rigorous testing, ensuring we deliver a reliable, robust vessel that will serve island communities for generations to come.”

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of the ferry-owning agency CMAL, said: “Builder’s sea trials are an important milestone, and we welcome the progress as we near the handover of MV Glen Rosa.”

The construction of Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa has come under intense scrutiny after a range of issues pushed the delivery date for the two vessels back by years and led to costs ballooning.

Glen Rosa is currently estimated to cost about £200 million, four times the original contract price.