Further delay, rising costs and potential problems on the horizon for Glen Sannox

David Tydeman, the Ferguson Marine CEO has told MSPs that the cost for MV Glen Sannox will rise by £20.5 million, that it is unlikely to be delivered by the year end, and that further problems are anticipated with its safety certificates.

 

This latest increase will mean that the final cost of building Glen Sannox and its sister ship Hull 802 will now be more than £300m, excluding written-off Government loans to the shipyard.

 

And despite a value for money study on the cost of completing the two overbudget vessels – which itself is reported have cost £620,000 – finding that it would be cheaper to scrap them and start again, Government ministers are ploughing ahead with the building of the vessels.

 

The cost overrun has been blamed on having to replace non-compliant equipment, systems and pipe work, along with steel modifications and sub-contractor costs.

 

Ominously, Mr Tydeman also revealed that new issues had surfaced with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) which issues safety certificates for ships and added that he will update MSPs on the implications of this over the next month.

 

In his quarterly update to Edward Mountain, convenor of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Mr Tydeman said: “It's clear and regrettable, that having 100 per cent confidence in the delivery date for Glen Sannox will remain a challenge monthly as we progress through commissioning, snagging and handover trials during the rest of the year.”

 

The news of the additional cost and potential delay came a few days after CalMac bosses visited Arran and offered assurances that they would listen and act on the ferry crisis. It was also announced just as the Scottish Parliament went into recess, leaving little time for MSPs to hold Scottish Ministers to account on the reasons behind the delays.

 

Local MSP Jamie Greene said: “I am disappointed but unsurprised by the latest round of delays and cost increases to the completion of ferries.

 

“As the SNP continue to cover their tracks by protecting vested interests and limiting transparency, I fear the widespread anger over this scandal will only get worse.

 

“Yet again, we are hearing that SNP ministers are happy to throw Scottish taxpayers’ money at vessels which they have already admitted deliver no value for money.

 

“But now Scottish taxpayers need honesty from the SNP. They need answers about why these ferries have been such a drain on taxpayers’ money, and when they will finally be able to serve our struggling ferry network.”

 

Signing off his update to Mr Mountain, Mr Tydeman said: “We have started regular programme meetings with CalMac, Transport Scotland and CMAL and now also in attendance and understand that CalMac will need 1 – 2 months for mobilisation after we have handed the vessel to CMAL. Subject to the key issues and positive progress with final snagging and trials, Glen Sannox should be available for passengers in Spring 2024.”

 

 

 

Ferguson Marine CEO, David Tydeman has announced that a further £20.5 million will be required to complete work on MV Glen Sannox, pictured, and he has also cast doubts on whether it will be delivered by the end of the year. 01_B27ferry01_23_delay_Glen_Sannox_extra