Milestone reached on Ferguson Marine ferry as resources ramp-up

Ferguson Marine has today announced the completion a milestone in the construction of one of the ferries being worked on at the Port Glasgow yard.

Hull 802 will be fitted with its large bow unit which, at 100 tonnes, is the largest single unit added to the ferry’s steel hull.

In a major engineering operation involving a 15-strong team and two heavy-lift cranes, the block completes the bow structure.

The final units will be lifted into place this week, completing the main hull and steelwork, making way for the installation of the ferry’s aluminium superstructure, which is all the units that sit above the main deck.

Over the coming weeks and months, resources will ramp up to around 150 people working on Hull 802 to support the construction effort.

The 100-tonne block lift of the bow to be connected onto Hull 802 (Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert)

David Tydeman, chief executive of Ferguson Marine, said: “Later this week, we will install the final steel block, which will complete the main hull on the vessel.

“We will then implement a step change in momentum behind the build of Hull 802 with increased resources over the coming weeks and months to install the units which sit above the main deck.

“By September this year, Hull 802 will look like a ferry.”

He explained that one of the key changes made since taking over at the end of last year is separating the programmes for the two dual fuel vessels.

“This is to allow the programme for vessel 802 to progress, irrespective of the schedule and programme for MV Glen Sannox.

“For the past year or so, most shipyard resources have been focused on MV Glen Sannox and this approach will balance that, allow us to progressively build-up resources on Hull 802 and work towards launch early next year.

“My aim is to demonstrate that Ferguson Marine, in line with its historic reputation and without legacy issues, has the capability to deliver a new build vessel,” Tydeman added.

Both dual fuel vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2023 - the MV Glen Sannox between March and May, and Hull 802 between October and December.

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