A DATE for the highly anticipated handover of the delayed MV Glen Sannox is expected to be confirmed imminently – with the ferry currently undergoing an extra set of last-minute checks.
The ferry was spotted sailing along the Firth of Clyde after leaving its berth at Inchgreen at 8.30am on Wednesday, following an announcement from the yard last week which confirmed her sea trials had concluded and branded the tests an "overall success".
That assessment was provided to the chair of the Scottish Parliament's Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee by the Port Glasgow shipyard's interim CEO John Petticrew a week after a blackout experienced on the ferry whilst out on handover trials handed the ship another set back.
It is understood that Wednesday's sea trials will give Ferguson Marine a better idea of when the ferry, destined to serve Arran, can finally be handed over to the Scottish Government's ferry procurement company, CMAL.
Ferguson Marine bosses previously stated that the ferry would be handed over to CMAL in mid-October, but that deadline has now passed without a new date being confirmed.
Sea trials that are taking place will see the vessel head initially to Kempock Point before heading further south down the estuary to Cumbrae Heads.
A Ferguson Marine spokesperson today confirmed the start of a further day of sea trials for MV Glen Sannox, saying: “Glen Sannox has left Inchgreen to test out replacement anchor windlass parts, and to conduct a number of other routine tests as we progress towards delivery."
The shipyard also revealed they are now working through an agreed action plan list, with CMAL now taking a more hands-on role in the process.
The final stage to get through will be ensuring the passenger ship can be certified with a passenger safety certificate from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The spokesperson added: "In the days ahead, we will be working through an agreed action list, seeking owner (CMAL) approval as we go.
"The final stage of the pre-handover checks will be for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to issue MV Glen Sannox with a passenger safety certificate. This happens right before handover. We hope to be in a position to confirm a handover date shortly.”
