SNP’s Much-Delayed Ferries Suffer Latest Setback as MV Glen Rosa Floods with Rainwater After Funnels Removed
The Scottish National Party’s (SNP) much-delayed ferry project has suffered its latest setback, as the MV Glen Rosa, which is still under construction at the Ferguson Marine yard in Port Glasgow, flooded with rainwater after its funnels were removed. The vessel, which is six years behind schedule and over £100 million over budget, has been plagued by problems, including the sister ship Glen Sannox’s propeller previously rusting up as it had been sitting idle in the water at a dock in nearby Greenock.
According to The Times, the funnels were removed to allow internal work, but the gap was not sealed, causing the vessel to flood during rain at the Clyde yard a fortnight ago. The distinctive red funnels were only fitted for Glen Rosa’s much-delayed launch last year for cosmetic purposes – to give the impression it was nearer to completion than was the case. A source told The Times: “Who would have expected it to rain in the west of Scotland? Everyone except those in charge, it seems. Nobody knows why the gap wasn’t sealed. It’s one thing after another at the yard. The Scottish government and Ferguson’s just don’t seem to have a grip on things. No one is sure when this vessel will ever be in service.”
The flooding is the latest mishap to hit the chaotic project, with other problems including parts, such as huge pumps, being removed from Glen Rosa to replace ones on Glen Sannox that had worn out despite neither vessel being in use. Last month, CalMac bosses told of the latest delays to Glen Rosa, which was started nine years ago and had been due to enter service in 2019. It had been expected to be delivered to operators CalMac by September this year, but further delays have now pushed this back to next year at the earliest.
Glen Sannox finally entered service this year, seven years behind schedule. The latest cost for the two ferries has rocketed to about £400 million, more than quadruple the original contract price of £97 million. Kate Forbes, the deputy first minister, said: “Ferguson Marine’s leadership must take immediate and sustained action to restore trust, enforce delivery discipline, and bring this project under control.” Claire Baker, the Scottish Labour transport spokeswoman, said: “This is yet another embarrassing mishap in the SNP’s seemingly endless ferry fiasco. The workers at this yard have been let down time and time again by the chaos created by those at the top, including the SNP government.”
Sue Webber, the Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for transport, said: “There seems to be no end to the mishaps afflicting the Glen Rosa. This latest fiasco with its funnels should have been easily avoided.” Jamie Greene, the Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesman, said: “This latest incident will be extremely frustrating to islanders and those on the yard, but is perhaps unsurprising given the SNP’s ferry-building track record.”
Hugh McKenzie, the general manager of operations at Ferguson Marine, said: “During a period of heavy rainfall at the end of last month, the MV Glen Rosa experienced some internal water ingress. The issue was identified quickly, and immediate action was taken to resolve it. The affected area has been dried out and inspected thoroughly, and no damage or lasting impact was identified.” The incident has raised concerns about the Scottish government’s handling of the ferry project, with many questioning the delays and cost overruns.
As the project continues to face setbacks, it remains to be seen when the MV Glen Rosa will finally enter service. The Scottish government has faced criticism for its handling of the project, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency. With the latest incident, it is clear that the SNP’s much-delayed ferry project has a long way to go before it can be considered a success.
Photographs have shown the exhaust vents now covered by marquees on the Glen Rosa, with its red funnels sitting nearby on the quayside. The Scottish government has announced an investigation into the incident, and it is expected that further updates on the project will be provided in the coming weeks.
The delays and cost overruns have had significant implications for the Scottish government, with many questioning the value for money of the project. The government has faced criticism for its handling of the project, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency.
In response to the latest incident, a spokesperson for the Scottish government said: “We are aware of the latest developments at the Ferguson Marine yard and are working closely with the company to resolve the issues. We are committed to delivering the ferry project and will provide further updates as necessary.”
The incident has highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of the project’s progress and the Scottish government’s handling of it. As the project continues to face setbacks, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the criticism and whether it will be able to deliver the project on time and within budget.
The Times has reported that the Scottish government has faced criticism for its handling of the project, with many questioning the delays and cost overruns. The government has announced an investigation into the incident, and it is expected that further updates on the project will be provided in the coming weeks.
The project has been plagued by problems, including delays and cost overruns. The Scottish government has faced criticism for its handling of the project, with many questioning the value for money of the project. The government has announced an investigation into the incident, and it is expected that further updates on the project will be provided in the coming weeks.
Source: The Times – New delay to ferry as it floods with rainwater after funnels removed
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