Glen Rosa starts sea trials in major milestone for delayed vessel

The Glen Rosa, which was ordered in 2015 along with the Glen Sannox and due to be completed three years later, is now undergoing “rigorous dynamic testing” on the Firth of Clyde.

The latest deadline for the Glen Rosa to join the ferry network is February 2027, with shipyard Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Ltd confident the timeline can be met.

This week, shipyard specialists will assess how the Glen Rosa handles on the water with the propulsion and power generation systems also to be tested.

Safety, automation and navigation of the 102-metre vessel under real sailing conditions will also be monitored.

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Once sea trials conclude, any necessary technical refinements will be made before the the vessel enters the final build and evaluation phase.

Then, new propeller blades will be fitted with the ferry’s dual fuel capability then to be tested by CalMac and Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, the public corporation wholly owned by the Scottish Government, before the handover in February.

Andrew Milligan, executive director of technical at Ferguson Marine, said: "Commencing sea trials is a pivotal moment for Glen Rosa and reflects the tremendous hard work and technical skill across our Port Glasgow shipyard..

“These trials allow us to put the ship's integrated systems through their paces at sea, validating months of dockside testing and outfitting.

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“Our team remains completely focused on producing quality work and rigorous testing, ensuring we deliver a reliable, robust vessel that will serve island communities for generations to come."

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL said: "Builder's sea trials are an important milestone, and we welcome the progress as we near the handover of MV Glen Rosa.

“Upon completion of both sets of sea trials and final regulatory sign-offs, MV Glen Rosa will be formally handed over to CMAL in February 2027 before entering service with CalMac.

The long-awaited Glen Sannox started serving Arran - one of CalMac’s busiest routes - in January last year after being completed seven years late and some four times over budget.

The ferry cost £200m.