Delivery date slips by 15 weeks
Ferguson Marine says the Glen Sannox will now be handed over between July and September 2022 – 15 weeks later than expected. The ship, destined for the Arran route, was originally due to enter service in 2018/19. The nationalised shipyard says Covid disruption and a shortage of local skilled labour were to blame. The comapny says it said it had only been able to recruit 40 skilled workers locally, 100 short of its target – and was now having to recruit overseas workers, via sub-contractors. The second ship, currently known as Hull 802, will be delivered between April and July 2023, according to the latest schedule. Turnaround director, Tim Hair:
I know the further delay to the project will be a disappointment to island communities and others who await the arrival of the new ferries. There remains a lot of work to do on the vessels, but it is important to recognise the level of progress too, as well as the significant operational improvements we have implemented to introduce robust and effective business processes. We have, in effect, created a functioning shipyard business from a standing start.
