Ferguson Marine Hull 802 Acceptance Group: 14 October 2025

Attendees and apologies

• [REDACTED] – Scottish Government (chair)
• [REDACTED] – Scottish Government
• [REDACTED] – Transport Scotland
• [REDACTED]  – FMPG
• Graeme Thomson – FMPG CEO
• [REDACTED] – FMPG
• [REDACTED] – CMAL
• [REDACTED] – CMAL
• Duncan Mackison – CalMac CEO
• [REDACTED] – CalMac

Apologies: 

• [REDACTED] – FMPG
• David Dishon – FMPG CFO
• [REDACTED] – FMPG

Items and actions

Glen Sannox – deployment / warranty updates

Vessel performance updates

Glen Sannox was taken out of service due to an issue with the previously repaired weld failure in the steering-gear space. The temporary repairs have taken place and the vessel has returned to service. The temporary solution will be in place until the permanent solution is installed, this is expected to be completed in the scheduled dry dock in November 2025.

Sea trails took place on 10 October to carry out a vibrations analysis on the 1cm crack in the hull. Data was gathered from various parties including Lloyds and [REDACTED]. The results shown excessive cavitation of the propellor blades, producing high vibrations. This confirmed FMPG’s understanding of the issue identified.

[REDACTED] agreed to re-design the blade, FMPG await their full proposal. It is estimated the full proposal will be complete in 6-9 months. An opportunity for the next overhaul period for the vessel was proposed to fit the permanent solution however propeller repair installation may not require dry dock. Temporary measures are being drafted to include localised stiffening of areas getting excessive vibrations, this is planned to be installed during the dry dock.

CalMac raised concerns regarding the additional works being added to the list of post delivery and warranty works already required during dry dock. The vessel was required to be back in service on 5 December. CMAL have discussed with FMPG and more staff are required to manage the concurrent jobs. 

Dependant on controls and assessments carried out by Lloyds, CalMac proposed for the work on the blade to be carried out at a future dry dock. An additional vessel in CalMac’s fleet will be available and control of costs and the managing of the work will be better maintained. 

The current plan for all parties is for the structural works to be completed in dry dock so the focus of the plan and sequencing of the work can be agreed and delivered on time as much as possible. Draft drawings of the localised stiffening are being discussed between FMPG and [REDACTED] and once agreed will be sent to [REDACTED] for pricing and approval from Lloyds. SG requested an update from FMPG once the drawings are agreed.

Further discussions will be required in the coming weeks regarding critical works. FMPG are working with CMAL and CalMac to agree a critical path of works, including milestones and estimated costs for the dry dock. SG requested sight of the plan once agreed.

Any items raised before the warranty period ends will still be required to be completed under warranty. SG agreed to review the structure of future funding.

SG, CalMac and CMAL agreed to align comms teams for proactive comms regarding these works.

Glen Rosa – delivery and deployment 

GR delivery programme update

Lessons learned on the vibrations from Glen Sannox will be carried over to the Glen Rosa build plan. This includes the possibility of requiring additional steel and the delivery time for a new propellor blades to be installed.

AOB

SG will issue a poll to members of this group to confirm membership is accurate and whether the frequency of meetings and dates are appropriate.