Photographed after dusk on Sunday 19 November 2017, Yard No. 801 is seen at last in all her glory, as final preparations are made for her launch on Tuesday at the Ferguson Marine shipyard at Port Glasgow. Copyright John Newth
The event we have long waited for is fast approaching — the split-second when MV Glen Sannox finally starts to move down the slipway at Ferguson Marine at Port Glasgow and enters the water for the first time. The path to that exciting moment has been a long one, and full of ups and downs, but at last we are ready to celebrate a great achievement for Clydeside and a rebirth of the shipbuilding traditions that have long been celebrated here.
It was not until Sunday 19 November, 48 hours before the launch, that all the scaffolding surrounding Yard No. 801 was entirely removed and the vessel’s full profile, gleaming with fresh paint, was finally revealed.
The vessel is to be named and launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday at 1.30pm.
CRSC congratulates all who have had a hand in creating this major addition to the Clyde fleet. We wish her, and all who sail in her, a long and productive life in Scottish waters. MV Glen Sannox gives new meaning to that proud description — ‘Clyde-built’.
Pictured on 19 November 2017, the new Glen Sannox makes an impressive sight on the slipway at Port Glasgow. Copyright Jim Phanco
Another of Jim Phanco’s magnificent overhead shots of Yard No. 801 at Port Glasgow, pictured 48 hours before the launch. Copyright Jim Phanco
The sense of anticipation at Port Glasgow ahead of Tuesday’s launch is almost palpable in this photograph of Yard No. 801, taken shortly after dusk on Sunday 19 November. Copyright John Newth
Ready for launch: the new CalMac ferry, built for the Arran run, is a feat of modern design and engineering, but much work still needs to be done during the fitting-out period before she finally enters service, expected to be at some point in the 2018/19 winter. Copyright John Newth