URGENT UPDATE: The delivery of the MV Glen Rosa ferry has been officially delayed by an additional six months, pushing the handover date to Q4 2026. This significant setback adds to the ongoing turmoil faced by the nationalised shipyard, Ferguson Marine, which has struggled with multiple delays since the vessel was initially scheduled for delivery in 2018.
CalMac’s revised timeline indicates that the 850-passenger ferry, originally expected to launch in Q2 2026, will now not be ready until late 2026. This news comes as the Scottish Government-owned shipyard had already announced delays earlier this year, pushing back the anticipated delivery from September 2025 to a window between April and June 2026. The estimated cost of the MV Glen Rosa has also surged from £150 million to £185 million.
The delays stem from serious issues identified during the vessel’s first dry dock in August 2025. Inspections revealed significant corrosion in the stern tubes and deterioration of the hull coating, necessitating extensive remedial work. Unfortunately, the earliest available slot for a second dry dock will not be until late 2026, further complicating the situation.
In a heartfelt statement, Ferguson Marine’s Chief Executive, Graeme Thomson, expressed deep regret over the delay. He acknowledged the disruption caused to island communities eagerly awaiting the ferry’s entry into service. “We deeply regret having to announce a further delay in the delivery of Glen Rosa,” Thomson stated. “I am acutely aware of the disruption this causes and want to offer a sincere apology to all those impacted, particularly the island communities patiently waiting for the vessel to enter service.”
Thomson emphasized the complexity of the MV Glen Rosa project but assured stakeholders of Ferguson Marine’s commitment to transparency and improvement. “While these setbacks have confirmed historic systemic issues within our operations, they do not define our future,” he added. “We are embarking on an ambitious modernisation journey that will transform Ferguson Marine whilst we work extremely hard to deliver a Clydebuilt vessel that showcases our commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality.”
As the situation continues to develop, residents and businesses in the Arran community, who rely heavily on the ferry service, are left in uncertainty. The delays not only affect transportation but also have broader implications for local economies reliant on tourism and commerce.
The MV Glen Rosa and its sister ship, the MV Glen Sannox, which has already launched but is also facing issues, represent critical infrastructure for the region. Both ferries were intended to enhance service reliability and capacity for the island community.
Moving forward, stakeholders will be closely monitoring any further announcements from Ferguson Marine and CalMac regarding the ferry’s progress and potential new timelines. The community’s patience is being tested as they await the resolution of these ongoing challenges.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
