Glen Rosa successfully completes dry dock ahead of schedule

Glen Rosa successfully completes dry dock ahead of schedule

Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Ltd has announced that MV Glen Rosa has left her second dry dock ahead of schedule. The vessel will now begin a rigorous quality assurance and commissioning process to test her advanced dual-fuel systems before she embarks on sea trials in the coming months.

MV Glen Rosa, which is bound for the CalMac fleet and will serve Scotland’s west coast communities, was initially transported to Dales Marine dry dock in Greenock in the middle of June. During the docking period, marine growth was removed from the hull to provide the optimal conditions for sailing and improve efficiency, all underwater coatings were renewed to protect the ship's hull from corrosion while in the water and the thrusters and propellers were cleaned and polished.

Work has also progressed at a good pace on the inside of the vessel and, while in dry dock, the team at Ferguson Marine has been focused on outfitting the ship's interior, including painting, installing the flooring, fitting ceiling tiles and wall panels across all seven of the vessel’s decks. 

Andrew Milligan, Executive Director of Technical at Ferguson Marine, said: "We understand how eagerly island communities are anticipating this vessel so it was vital we got this dry dock right. We are pleased to have been able to complete the programme of work ahead of schedule and are now focused on continuing to make steady progress ahead of sea trials to restore confidence in modern Clydebuilt standards.” 

The dry docking of MV Glen Rosa represents a strong collaboration between local maritime enterprises on the River Clyde, helping to keep vital marine engineering skills and economic benefits within the region.

Stuart McLeod, Operations Director at Dales Marine Services, added: “Leaving dry dock is always a key milestone for a vessel, and we understand the importance of the work we complete on all the vessels we support, particularly for a passenger ferry that will go on to deliver a lifeline passenger service to our Island communities.

“We’re proud to have supported Ferguson Marine with this important stage in the development of the MV Glen Rosa as she progresses towards completion and entry into service. Our experienced team in Greenock delivered a package of specialist works safely and efficiently, resulting in the vessel being able to leave her second dry dock ahead of schedule.”

Kevin Hobbs, CEO at Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), said: “This is welcome news, and marks another step towards the Glen Rosa joining her sister vessel on the network.”

The vessel will now undergo a hull inspection and customer review as part of the final stages before handover. MV Glen Rosa’s completion is expected in Q4 2026. 

Picture credit: Jane Barlow/PA Wire (2025)