Urgent Call to Support Port Glasgow Shipyard
Community leaders and trade unions are rallying for immediate action from SNP ministers to secure the future of the publicly-owned Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow. An open letter addressed to First Minister John Swinney urges the direct awarding of a contract for a replacement ferry, the Lord of the Isles, to the struggling shipyard. This initiative is backed by local politicians and the GMB union, emphasizing the need for support to ensure the yard’s survival.
Community Leaders Demand Action
Inverclyde community leaders and trade unions have united in a campaign to advocate for Ferguson Marine, which was nationalized by the Scottish Government in 2019 after facing financial difficulties. The shipyard has been tasked with constructing two CalMac ferries, the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, but has encountered significant delays and cost overruns. The Glen Rosa, ordered in 2015, has yet to enter service due to a series of design changes and staffing shortages.
The open letter calls for the Scottish Government to directly award the contract for the new Lord of the Isles ferry to Ferguson Marine, arguing that this would not only secure jobs but also restore the yard’s reputation for excellence. The letter highlights the skilled workforce at the shipyard, which has been a cornerstone of the Inverclyde economy for over a century, creating high-quality jobs and apprenticeships. Community leaders stress that the uncertainty surrounding the yard’s future is detrimental and can be alleviated through the direct award of this contract.
Ferguson Marine’s management is focused on securing new contracts to ensure the yard’s viability. The recent decision by the SNP Government to award a contract for smaller ferries to a Turkish firm instead of Ferguson Marine has intensified concerns about the yard’s future. The letter emphasizes that without new orders, the shipyard may struggle to survive in the competitive shipbuilding market, where local firms face challenges from overseas competitors benefiting from lower wages and higher state subsidies.
Government Response and Future Prospects
In response to the community’s plea, John Swinney acknowledged the proposal for a direct award of the contract to Ferguson Marine. However, he noted the complexities involved in such a decision, indicating that the government is actively considering the implications. Swinney’s comments reflect the cautious approach the Scottish Government is taking, as they weigh the legal ramifications of a direct award against state aid regulations.
Ferguson Marine’s new chief executive, Graeme Thomson, has voiced concerns that without the contract for the Lord of the Isles, the shipyard would face significant challenges. He previously addressed these issues during a meeting of the Scottish Affairs Committee, emphasizing the urgent need for support. A spokesperson for Transport Scotland reiterated that any direct award must comply with procurement rules and withstand legal scrutiny, highlighting the government’s commitment to reviewing each contract on a case-by-case basis.
The community’s campaign underscores the importance of Ferguson Marine not only as a shipbuilder but also as a vital part of the local economy. As discussions continue, the future of the shipyard hangs in the balance, with community leaders and unions advocating for decisive action to secure its legacy and ensure the skilled workforce can continue to thrive.
