CalMac Ferries' Ro-Pax Glen Rosa has completed her first sea trials in waters between Arran and Bute in south-west Scotland.
The 102-metre, 7,772GT LNG dual-fuel ferry is being built for CalMac by Ferguson Marine, which is targeting delivery to owner Caledonian Maritime Assets CMAL) in early February 2027.
The ferry departed Inchgreen quayside in Greenock under her own power. Ferguson Marine said that over the coming days, trials would assess the vessel’s handling and her navigation, automation, safety, power generation and propulsion systems.
The delivery schedule was changed from the fourth quarter of 2026 to allow replacement propeller blades to be fitted during late January drydocking after cavitation was identified.
The Scottish Government said the replacement blades have been delivered.
Ferguson Marine Chief Executive Graeme Thomson said LNG commissioning would follow the propeller work because the ferry cannot enter drydock with LNG aboard. She is currently operating on diesel.
The owner’s sea trials will then demonstrate dual-fuel operation in collaboration with CMAL and CalMac. Ferguson Marine said both trial programmes and final regulatory sign-offs must be completed before handover.
CalMac will carry out berthing trials and familiarise the crew with the vessel before passenger services can begin.
Glen Rosa and sister ship Glen Sannox, which also requires replacement propellers, were ordered in 2015 for delivery in 2018. Glen Sannox entered service in January 2025, nearly seven years after the two ferries' original scheduled delivery dates.
