The second of two dual fuel vessels being built at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow was launched on Tuesday after a bottle of Ardgowan blended malt whisky was smashed on the MV Glen Rosa’s bow to send her on her way.
Among those at the launch were wellbeing economy secretary Màiri McAllan; Ferguson Marine interim chief executive John Petticrew; the Reverend William Boyle, minister at St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, who blessed the vessel, and five apprentices employed by the shipyard.
The 102-metre, roll-on/roll-off vehicle passenger ferry is designed to carry 127 cars, 16 HGVs - or a combination of both - and up to 852 passengers.
Like its sister ship MV Glen Sannox, MV Glen Rosa is being built on behalf of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to service the Arran route and is due to be completed by September 2025.
Mr Petticrew, who replaced the recently sacked David Tydeman, said: “This is a proud day for the shipyard and every individual who has supported Ferguson Marine to reach this landmark moment.
“MV Glen Rosa is the 363rd vessel launched on the Clyde under the Ferguson Marine name. 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.
“MV Glen Rosa will now take her place at the quayside, at the spot Glen Sannox recently vacated, so that her internal fit out can continue.”
Ms McAllan added: “This is an important milestone for the shipyard and, importantly, provides an opportunity to recognise the workers who have contributed to the building of the MV Glen Rosa. It is fitting it was launched by Beth Atkinson, a highly skilled welder who trained at Ferguson Marine, and who represents the future of Scottish shipbuilding.
“I was pleased to be able to join such an important event for the community and look forward to seeing Glen Rosa enter service next year and provide vital lifeline services for our island communities.”
A launching ceremony marks the milestone of a vessel being transferred from the land to water for the first time. Outfitting and other installation work is traditionally only completed after launch and the vessel is only considered complete once it has been handed over to the customer.
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