Since its nationalization by SNP leaders in 2019, Ferguson Marine shipyard has encountered significant difficulties in fulfilling an order for two new car ferries.
Anas Sarwar today claimed that the SNP Government’s mishandling of the ferry project has already cost Scottish taxpayers £1 billion.
This week, the Scottish Labour leader criticized John Swinney following the announcement that the Glen Rosa car ferry, initially scheduled to begin operation in 2019, will now be delayed until spring 2026 at the earliest.
The vessel is currently being constructed at the Ferguson Marine yard in Port Glasgow, which was taken over by the Scottish Government in 2019 after the company failed to complete a contract for two new CalMac ferries initiated in 2015.
One of the two ships, the Glen Sannox, has only just started operations this year after experiencing significant cost overruns and delays.
Sarwar informed Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) that the total expenses for the two ferries have reached nearly £500 million, with the final costs yet to be determined.
He added: “I can disclose that more than £500 million has been expended on repairing the aging ferry fleet while the over-budget ships remain unfinished.
“We are now witnessing a billion-pound SNP ferry debacle – orchestrated by the SNP – and financed by hardworking Scots. It’s clear that the SNP cannot be trusted with the money of the Scottish people.”
Initially, the Glen Rosa and its sister ship, the Glen Sannox, were projected to cost just £97 million and to be operational between Arran and the mainland by 2020.
Sarwar continued, “The SNP’s mismanagement of the ferry project is negatively impacting the lives and businesses on the Isle of Arran. For residents, this means a minimum of three hours for round trips to medical appointments.”
“It results in the cancellation of school trips at a moment’s notice.”
“And it leads to turmoil for businesses. Arran is a remarkable island with much to offer – if only it were more accessible.”
“The SNP has a chronic habit of squandering public funds. We have a prison project that was supposed to cost £100 million now ballooning to a billion pounds and still rising.”
“Countless millions are being wasted on legal fees to cover up this government’s incompetence.”
The First Minister addressed the MSPs, saying, “I am deeply aware of the issues facing the island ferry network.”
“Despite these problems, the network continues to perform well for island communities, and the government’s investments are aimed at enhancing resilience in the coming years,” he added.
Swinney remarked, “This administration remains committed to the island communities.”
“Primarily through initiatives like the introduction of the road-equivalent tariff, which has made ferry travel significantly more affordable for our island residents. Moreover, we are offering targeted support to those communities affected by disruptions and investing in new vessels,” he explained.
Graeme Thomson, CEO of Ferguson Marine, stated, “It was not our desire to postpone the delivery of MV Glen Rosa.”
“Last year, however, it became necessary for Ferguson Marine to implement measures to prevent further delays in completing Glen Sannox, which involved reallocating key staff and subcontractor resources from Glen Rosa. This has unfortunately impacted our ability to meet critical construction milestones for Glen Rosa, leading to delays and additional costs.”
“Our team is diligently working to complete Glen Rosa, and we are committed to finishing the vessel as swiftly and efficiently as possible,” he concluded.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
