Ferguson Marine Secures Contracts for Four New Vessels
Ferguson Marine, the state-owned shipyard, has been awarded contracts to construct four new vessels, a strategic move aimed at stabilizing the business. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes emphasized the necessity of a “clear and credible pipeline” of work, leading to this direct award after the yard previously lost out in a competitive tender process. The contracts include two ferries for the government’s small vessel replacement program, alongside a research vessel and a marine protection vessel, expected to provide five years of work for the yard.
Government’s Commitment to Ferguson Marine
During a recent announcement in the chamber, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes highlighted that the awarded vessels are just the beginning of the government’s ambitions for Ferguson Marine. She stated that the yard must demonstrate its ability to compete and deliver effectively in the shipbuilding sector. The awarded contracts are designed to create a stable foundation for the yard, allowing it to plan its workforce, enhance its supply chain, and invest in improved operational methods.
Forbes noted that while the four vessels represent a significant step forward, the yard has the capacity to take on additional contracts in the future. She acknowledged previous hesitations regarding direct awards due to procurement regulations but assured that the proposal would undergo thorough legal, commercial, and subsidy control assessments. The government envisions a future where Ferguson Marine can return to the private sector, having been nationalized in 2019 due to ongoing issues with the construction of two ferries, the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, which have faced significant delays and budget overruns.
Graeme Thomson, CEO of Ferguson Marine, expressed optimism about the award, calling it a “watershed moment” for the shipyard. He emphasized the opportunity to retain the skilled workforce and to upgrade vital infrastructure and equipment. Thomson believes this direct award will enable Ferguson Marine to evolve into a world-class, digitally enabled shipbuilder capable of competing globally.
Future Developments and Challenges Ahead
The announcement of the contracts comes amid broader developments in Scotland’s maritime sector. Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Sue Webber welcomed the news for the workforce but raised concerns about the past performance of the SNP regarding the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa projects. She indicated that many Scots might be apprehensive about the timely and budget-compliant delivery of the new vessels.
In a related development, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed the nationalization of Ardrossan Harbour, with plans for extensive redevelopment to accommodate new CalMac ferries that are too large for the current facilities. Hyslop stated that the acquisition of the harbour would secure it in public ownership and facilitate its redevelopment, reinforcing Ardrossan as the primary mainland port for CalMac services to Arran.
Additionally, Hyslop announced that another vessel, intended to replace the aging MV Lord of the Isles, will be put out for competitive tender. This ferry, one of CalMac’s oldest, operates on the Mallaig/Oban to Lochboisdale route, highlighting the ongoing efforts to modernize Scotland’s ferry services.
