2nd dual-fuel ferry launched in Scotland

MV Glen Rosa follows sister vessel MV Glen Sannox, both of which have been built for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) to service the Arran route.

MV Glen Rosa is much heavier than her predecessor, setting a record for the Ferguson Marine Shipyard in Glasgow where she was launched and named on Tuesday.

At 102 metres long, the vehicle passenger ferry will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas and marine gas oil (MGO). She is designed to carry 127 cars, 16 HGVs – or a combination of both – and up to 852 passengers, and should be completed by September 2025.

“MV Glen Rosa is the 363rd vessel launched on the Clyde under the Ferguson Marine name,” said John Petticrew, interim chief executive at Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow). “At around 3,000 tonnes, she is considerably heavier than her sister vessel MV Glen Sannox was at launch and sets a new record for the yard in terms of weight at launch.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the two new ferries, following the success of MV Glen Sannox’s sea trials in February and last week. This demonstrates the hard work being done by everyone at the yard to complete both ferries as soon as possible.”

The vessel was launched by welder Beth Atkinson, who completed her apprenticeship at the shipyard with the smashing of a bottle of Ardgowan blended malt whisky off the vessel’s hull.

Also at the ceremony were Wellbeing Economy secretary Màiri McAllan; Ferguson Marine interim chief executive John Petticrew; Rev William Boyle, Minister at St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, who blessed the vessel; and five female apprentices employed by the shipyard.

“This is a step in the right direction for the two dual fuel vessels, with MV Glen Sannox completing a dry docking and further builder’s trials last week,” said CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs.