MV Glen Rosa Launched and Officially Named

MV GLEN ROSA LAUNCHED AND OFFICIALLY NAMED

Second dual fuel ferry successfully launches on the Clyde

MV Glen Rosa, the second of two dual fuel vessels being built at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow, was successfully launched into the Clyde today (Tuesday 9 April 2024).

Like her sister vessel MV Glen Sannox, MV Glen Rosa is being built on behalf of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to service the Arran route.

The 102-metre, roll-on/roll-off vehicle passenger ferry will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO).  MV Glen Rosa is designed to carry 127 cars, 16 HGVs - or a combination of both - and up to 852 passengers. She is due to be completed by September 2025.

Today’s launch party was made up of Wellbeing Economy Secretary Màiri McAllan; Ferguson Marine interim chief executive John Petticrew; Rev William Boyle, Minister at St. Andrew’s Church of Scotland, who blessed the vessel; and five female apprentices employed by the shipyard.

Beth Atkinson, a qualified welder who completed her apprenticeship at the yard, smashed a special bottling of Ardgowan blended malt whisky* off the vessel’s hull to officially name her as MV Glen Rosa before she entered the water for the first time.

An open invitation was extended to the people of Inverclyde to attend the launch, welcomed to the yard on a first come, first served basis. Many hundreds more watched the event from the nearby Coronation and Newark Castle parks. 

John Petticrew, interim chief executive at Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow), said:

“This is a proud day for the shipyard, the people of Inverclyde and every individual who has supported Ferguson Marine 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.”

Wellbeing Economy Secretary Màiri McAllan said:

“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 that 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.”

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive, CMAL said:

“It is a welcome sight to see Glen Rosa successfully launched and enter the water today.  This is a step in the right direction for the two dual fuel vessels, with MV Glen Sannox completing a dry docking and further builder’s trials last week.  We know how important these two vessels are for the Arran community, and for both vessels to start serving the island.  We will continue to work with Fergusons to get them delivered as soon as possible.”

Duncan Mackison, interim CEO of CalMac, said:

“Today’s successful launch is a positive step forward and we are looking forward to welcoming MV Glen Rosa into the CalMac fleet. When she enters service, she will provide much-needed resilience and capacity to the Arran community.”

*The MV Glen Rosa Ardgowan special bottling comprises six distinctive whiskies, fully matured in first fill Oloroso sherry casks, handpicked by Ardgowan master whisky maker, Max McFarlane.  Ardgowan Distillery is based at Inverkip.