Completion of a second ferry being built on the Clyde could be further delayed after it emerged it had been cannibalised for parts to finish its sister ship.

The Glen Rosa is already six years behind schedule and may not meet a new September deadline.

It has been reported that up to 16 major components were removed, including a starter motor and various pumps in order to finish the Glen Sannox which was handed over to Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) last month.

CMAL confirmed that other equipment, including an engine telegraph and a navigation light controller would need to be replaced. Glen Rosa is expected to serve CalMac’s Arran to Ardrossan route.

Ferguson’s chief executive John Petticrew and chairman Andrew Miller appeared before a committee of MSPs today and were unable to say when Glen Rosa will be completed. It is expected to cost four times its initial price and the price could rise further.

Asked if there is a risk of further delay, Mr Petticrew replied: “Yes, there is a risk.”

When Mr Miller attempted to explain the process by which a date could be decided he was stopped and told by Tory MSP Graham Simpson that he was talking “waffle.”

Under further questioning by members of the  public audit committee over the dismissal of chief executive David Tydeman, it emerged that the board “didn’t have trust in him to complete the ships at a reasonable price and to ensure there were no more delays.”

Mr Petticrew, who was installed as CEO on an interim basis, told the committee he would have taken the job permanently were it not for family commitments in Canada.

Mr Miller said a potential replacement CEO “probably looked at some of the video tapes from committees such as this in terms of oversight and decided to change his mind.” Talks are under way with another candidate.

After the meeting, Mr Simpson said: “The revelations surrounding David Tydeman’s exit are jaw-dropping and underline the chaos at Ferguson Marine under SNP control. This is a national embarrassment that has cost the Scottish taxpayer hundreds of million of pounds, yet there is still no end date in sight.”