Ferguson Marine Confirms Six-Month Delay, £185m Cost for Glen Rosa Ferry

The delivery of MV Glen Rosa, the second dual-fuel ferry being built by the nationalized Ferguson Marine shipyard for CalMac's Arran route, has been delayed again by at least six to nine months, now expected to be completed between April and June 2026. The cost has risen significantly from the original £97 million, with the total forecasted cost now reaching up to £185 million, contributing to a combined cost of over £460 million for both ferries, more than four and a half times the original budget. The delays and cost overruns have been linked to issues experienced during the construction of its sister ship, MV Glen Sannox, including complications with specialist LNG pipework and commissioning. Ferguson Marine's new CEO, Graeme Thomson, apologized unreservedly for the delays and emphasized the commitment to delivering a quality vessel that supports reliable service for island communities. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes expressed frustration and disappointment over the continued setbacks and increased costs, emphasizing the need for better delivery for taxpayers and island communities. The Scottish Government took over the shipyard in 2019 after previous owners went into administration, with ongoing scrutiny from parliamentary committees regarding the project's management and progress.