THE Ferguson built dual-fuel ferry MV Glen Sannox is set to have its bulbous bow replaced just two months after its launch.

The Port Glasgow shipyard told the Tele that the vessel will go to Garvel Dry Dock because they are unhappy with the bow.

But the firm denied that it was faulty following reports that there were concerns about delays as a result of the new work.

MV Glen Sannox is one of two CalMac ferries being built at the Port yard as part of a £97 million contract paid for by the Scottish Government.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the ship in November.
Ferguson Marine’s business development director John Morgan said: “It is the first ferry of its kind in the UK.

“We have been working with the clients and have made changes.

“We were not happy with the bulbous bow.

“But it is not correct to say it was a design fault.

“We decided to replace it after the launch.

“That was already scheduled.”

Mr Morgan told the Tele that the new bulbous bow is sitting in the fabrication shed and will be replaced when the ferry is put into the dry dock.

Ferguson’s confirmed that the date for the ferry to be delivered remains the winter 2018/19.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), which will own the ferry, and Ferguson’s say that no date has been fixed for dry-docking.

A CMAL spokeswoman said: “MV Glen Sannox will be going back into dry dock for further build work to be completed, including work on the bulbous bow.

“This a regular part of the shipbuilding process and does not impact on the estimated delivery date.”

Bosses at CMAL say Ferguson’s have told them that the vessel should still be completed and delivered in 2018/19.