icola Sturgeon is ready to face questions from a committee of MSPs investigating the procurement of two ferries, that are each late and over price range.
The Glen Sannox and as-yet-unnamed Hull 802 being constructed at Ferguson Marine at the moment are resulting from be delivered in 2023 and early 2024, at a possible price of greater than £300 million – 3 times the preliminary £97 million contract.
In March, Audit Scotland stated there had been a “multitude of failings” within the supply of the 2 ferries, that are nonetheless beneath development on the shipyard in Port Glasgow.
The First Minister will give proof to Holyrood’s Public Audit Committee on Friday morning.
Former transport minister Derek Mackay spoke to the committee in September and denied the contract was awarded to Ferguson Marine for political functions.
A BBC documentary on the ferries aired final month, elevating additional questions in regards to the procurement course of.
It alleged the yard was in possession of a prolonged doc of technical specs earlier than its bid for the contract was submitted.
Final week it emerged the Glen Sannox will initially should run on diesel gas when it enters service, regardless of being designed to additionally run on liquified pure fuel (LNG).
This is because of a delay within the provide of a component which might allow the LNG engine to run.
Ms Sturgeon has beforehand stated she has “deep remorse” over the delays and price overruns, however insisted the Authorities was proper to do every little thing attainable to save lots of jobs on the shipyard, which is at the moment in public possession.
Forward of the First Minister’s committee look, the Scottish Liberal Democrats stated a number of key points should be addressed in her proof.
Get together chief Alex Cole-Hamilton stated: “There’s a actual threat that Nicola Sturgeon’s look on the Public Audit Committee will solely herald extra filibustering and finger-pointing.
“When her disgraced former transport minister got here to provide proof, he was hurried out the again door. His refusal to apologise for the disaster epitomised the SNP’s deluded method to the entire sorry affair.
“That’s the reason I’m calling on the First Minister to deal with 4 key points when she provides proof.
“She should announce a brand new financial framework which might present how Authorities tasks symbolize worth for cash.
“She should additionally announce a long-term funding plan in Scotland’s ferries, and description a probable timeline for the completion of the brand new ships.”
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