Glen Sannox ferry major milestone towards passenger service announced

The hugely-delayed CalMac ferry has been cleared for passenger service and is to be handed over by Ferguson Marine , the yard announced on Tuesday. However, no date has been given for the transfer - and the ferry has a further hurdle to clear which means it is unlikely to enter service on the main Arran route to Brodick until January. The news comes three days after The Scotsman reported well-placed sources saying the vessel would be finished this week .

Yard interim chief executive John Petticrew told MSPs in his latest update letter: “Ferguson Marine has been working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyd’s Register to secure the vessel’s mandatory certifications. “We are delighted to share that Glen Sannox has now obtained full regulatory approval, including its passenger certification. “Subject to the completion of the required legal and contractual processes, the vessel will be officially transferred to its new owners, Cmal [Scottish Government ferry owning firm Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited].



Transport is the KEY issue facing Scotland - get Alastair Dalton’s newsletter to stay informed “Control of the vessel will then be handed to CalMac, who require six and a half weeks for operational readiness and annual recertification activities. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders who have contributed to this process. “We wish the Glen Sannox and its crew smooth and successful voyages in the years to come.

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