Ferguson Marine Unveils Major Shipyard Reforms
Ferguson Marine has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its operations, management, and infrastructure aimed at stabilizing the Port Glasgow shipyard and enhancing future vessel deliveries. During a recent session with Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, the shipyard’s leadership detailed a series of reforms initiated over the past year, particularly in response to challenges faced during the construction of the MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa. The leadership emphasized a commitment to modernizing practices and improving efficiency to avoid past delays.
Operational Changes and Management Reforms
Chairman Duncan Anderson highlighted the shipyard’s shift away from outdated practices that previously led to inefficiencies. He noted that many current challenges stem from historical shipbuilding methods and poor work sequencing. “The past management of vessel construction has involved mistakes, largely due to the use over several decades of poor or outdated shipbuilding techniques,” Anderson stated. He emphasized the need for clearer production processes and accountability among the workforce.
Since the appointment of a new management team, visible improvements have been reported. Chief Executive Graeme Thomson outlined significant operational changes implemented in the last ten months, particularly in project management and oversight. A key reform has been the establishment of a program management office, which was previously nonexistent. “We have now implemented a much more robust planning process,” Thomson explained, noting that internal planners and project managers have been recruited to enhance oversight of schedules and costs.
The new organizational structure includes a general manager for program management and a ship delivery director responsible for overseeing major projects. Thomson also mentioned the introduction of advanced project management tools, including the Primavera planning system and formal risk management processes. “We have driven hard the adoption of a common project management planning tool called Primavera,” he said, adding that a risk engineer has been appointed to develop a comprehensive risk register.
Infrastructure Investment and Future Plans
In addition to management reforms, Ferguson Marine is preparing for a £14.2 million capital investment program supported by the Scottish Government. Chief Financial Officer David Dishon explained that this funding will facilitate the replacement of outdated equipment and the introduction of modern production capabilities. A notable component of this investment is the installation of a semi-automated panel line designed to improve the efficiency of fabricating large steel sections for ship hulls. “It will allow us to be more productive—our man hours per tonne will reduce significantly and there will be a 50 percent productivity increase,” Dishon stated.
Despite the potential benefits, the investment program has faced delays due to legal and financial due diligence requirements associated with public funding. So far, approximately £570,000 has been spent primarily on safety-related upgrades. Dishon assured that the remaining investment is on track to proceed as the yard prepares for future vessel work. “The £14.2 million spend has been fully mapped out, and we will be starting that work very shortly,” he confirmed.
Thomson also mentioned plans to optimize the physical layout of the shipyard to enhance production flow, noting that the site has developed organically over decades. The company is exploring expansion options around Port Glasgow to accommodate increased demand for future projects. The outlined reforms indicate a significant operational reset for Ferguson Marine, combining new management systems, upgraded infrastructure, and revised production practices to position the shipyard for future success.
