A CONTROVERSIAL chapter in the history of Ferguson Marine is drawing to a close after the completion of hybrid ferry Glen Sannox and launch of her sister ship Glen Rosa.
The Inverclyde community is holding its breath to see what the future holds for the yard now the slipway lies empty.
Although Glen Sannox was plagued with politics, faults and redesigns, the vessel is now almost ready to begin service.
In contrast, the Glen Rosa has benefitted from valuable lessons learned from the construction of Glen Sannox.
Pic1: One outstanding problem for both ships is the hybrid fuel system, as it seems not to be as environmentally friendly as hoped. This shot shows the arrival of the Chinese built LNG tank for Glen Sannox. The fuel tank would be filled with gas transported to the UK by sea from Qatar and then by road tanker from Kent to Scotland.
Pic2: With hopes of plain sailing, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon looks skyward to the towering bow of Glen Sannox during her launch in 2017.
Pic3: The completed Glen Sannox is seen here heading downriver past James Watt Dock during her successful first self-propelled voyage.
Pic4: Glen Rosa, or Hull 802 as she was known before her naming, benefitted from improved fabrication techniques introduced by new MD David Tydeman before he was mysteriously removed from post just days before the vessel's launch.
Pic5: The Glen Rosa as she looked in the days leading up to the launch.
It was an occasion that delighted crowds of people who turned out in force to see the all-too-rare rare spectacle.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel