Edward Mountain MSP, the former Convener of the REC Committee which undertook the Ferries Inquiry, today challenged the Deputy First Minister as to why essential parts to run the LNG fuel system for the MV Glen Sannox were not already held in stock.
The Highlands and Islands MSP recounted how the former turnaround director of Ferguson Shipyard, Tim Hair, undertook a complete stock check during his tenure and queried why this missing part was not spotted during that period.
Recent reports have confirmed that the MV Glen Sannox will have to run on diesel initially as there is a 36 week waiting time for the delivery of the parts required to run the LNG fuel system.
During Topical Questions at the Scottish Parliament today, Edward Mountain MSP asked the Deputy First Minister:
“Back to the problem of the missing safety valves. It appears there was a long term need for these valves and Tim Hair when he was appointed at vast expense took on a new warehouse, carried out a complete stock check, confirming that all the parts were there. He obviously missed these. Is Tim Hair now an expensive £2 million mistake?”
The Deputy First Minister replied:
“Obviously there’s been a parliamentary committee assessment of the steps that have been taken to deliver these ferries. Interim management was put in place to take forward the construction of the vessels. The yard under the leadership of David Tydeman is making good progress in advancing those vessels and the Government will work with Fergusons to ensure that we complete the construction of 801 and 802 to enable these vessels to be deployed on the network to deliver the quality of service we expect for Islanders.”
Following Topical Questions, Edward Mountain MSP commented:
“Well the Deputy First Minister hardly rushed to Tim Hair’s defence in his answer, which is very telling.
“This latest setback adds another sorry chapter in the building of vessels 801 and 802, and raises more questions about the Scottish Government’s management of the yard following its nationalisation.
“This government’s mismanagement of our ferry network has been disastrous and Islanders will be left wondering how long the MV Glen Sannox will be kept out of action once these vital parts finally arrive and need to be installed."
