FERGUSON Marine is facing ‘challenges’ in completing a crucial component of the overdue and overbudget Glen Sannox on time - as questions linger over the departure of the yard’s chief executive.

In a brief update on the progress of the six-years late ferry, the Port Glasgow yard’s recently installed interim CEO John Petticrew stated that there were ‘undoubtedly’ challenges regarding the completion of the new ferry’s LNG fuel system.

The yard had advised MSPs in February that it intended to have the vessel ready for handover by the end of May, however there are now question marks over this date.  

Earlier this week, the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Economy Secretary Mairi McAllan confirmed that Ferguson Marine’s board had been told that a further delay was ‘likely’.

Mr Petticrew’s update has not revealed any further information about the cause or cost involved in this further delay, however he has pledged to give a fuller update to Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee next month.

He wrote: “As you aware I have just taken up post this week.

“There undoubtedly are some challenges regarding the completion of the LNG system by 31st May.

“In these circumstances and taking account of the fact that the vessel is due for dry dock and additional Builder's trials in the period 3-6 April, it is my intention to update the board and your committee of the outcome of my own review of progress and the findings coming from the dry dock and trials in the week commencing 15 April 2024.”

Mr Petticrew’s letter came on the same day that CMAL, the Scottish Government-owned body which oversees Scotland’s ferry services, informed MSPs that the four smaller CalMac vessels being built at a Turkish shipyard are on time and on budget.

The first of the four ferries, named the MV Isle of Islay, was launched at Cemre shipyard earlier this month and is expected to enter service in November.

Glen Sannox and her sister ship Glen Rosa are currently six years late and will cost several times their initial £97m contract price when delivered.

Greenock-born MSP Jamie Greene, who quizzed Ms McAllan about Mr Tydeman’s sacking in parliament earlier this week, has slammed the lack of information about the cost and cause of any further delays.

He said: “It’s been another embarrassing week for Ms McAllan who could shed no light whatsoever on the sudden departure of the chief executive, offering no insight into why he was sacked or what his pay-out looked like.

“She then gave an uninformed and pointless update to Holyrood over potential delays to the Glen Sannox due to the very issues we've all known about for quite some time.

“The SNP aren't well known for transparency, but if the ministers who own the yard have no idea what these latest delays or cost rises are, how can the public have any faith in their governance arrangements?"

“I feel sorry for the yard workers and the islanders in equal measures.

“Meanwhile, local SNP politicians undoubtedly will parrot out government lines in support of their failing ministers.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The FMPG board will scrutinise the handover date for Glen Sannox and the interim CEO has indicated he will provide a fuller update to parliamentary committees next month.

“The Wellbeing Economy Secretary will be stressing to the interim CEO and the board the importance of the ferries entering service to island communities as soon as possible and that any further delays must be kept to an absolute minimum.”