Fears ferries could be hit by delays again

Two new CalMac ferries could face even more delays, with government officials raising concerns over progress of the build.

The two vessels are already 13 months and 18 months late from their original delivery date.

Now state-owned Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has raised doubts over those completion dates.

The project has been hit by spiralling costs and a clash breaking out between CMAL and shipbuilder Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL) over the contract.

CMAL said a formal claim which has been submitted by FMEL over millions of pounds of disputed costs is now in the hands of its lawyers.

Responding to a question, islands minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “FMEL has formally indicated that the MV Glen Sannox (801) will be delivered during summer 2019 and the second vessel (802) in spring 2020.

“CMAL have questioned whether the revised delivery dates can be achieved on the basis of current build progress.”

Last month, FMEL said it expected to lose more than £44 million on the troubled ferry contract, blaming “variations, interference and disruption” caused by the customer for additional costs.

A spokeswoman for CMAL said: “We have requested an update on the delivery timeline from the shipyard, and we are waiting for a response.”