A crucial lifeline is being thrown to Scotland's historic Ferguson shipyard, with plans to award it contracts for four new vessels! This move by the Scottish government aims to bolster the Port Glasgow yard and ensure vital services for island communities. But here's where it gets interesting: while two small ferries and specialized research and protection vessels are slated for direct commission, another ferry replacement will face a competitive bidding process.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has outlined a proposal where Ferguson Marine will be tasked with building two new vessels for the Sound of Harris and Sound of Barra routes, part of the second phase of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme. Hot on the heels of this announcement, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes revealed further plans to award Ferguson Marine contracts for a marine research vessel (replacing the Scotia) and a marine protection vessel (the Minna).
These proposed awards are not just about building ships; they're also intended to unlock £14.2 million in funding earmarked for modernizing the Port Glasgow shipyard. This investment is seen as critical for the yard's future.
And this is the part most people miss: While the focus is on these new builds, the contract to replace the CalMac ferry MV Lord of the Isles will not be directly awarded. Instead, it will go through an open tendering process in the coming weeks, with the aim of securing an order later this year. This decision has sparked debate, with some advocating for it to also be directly assigned to Ferguson's.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes emphasized the broader impact of these proposals, stating they would "deliver for Ferguson Marine, for island communities and for Inverclyde." She highlighted the strengthening of "ferry resilience and connectivity for communities that rely on dependable services." The contracts are also expected to help Ferguson Marine secure future work, building on its past successes with similar vessels, and importantly, support skilled employment and industrial capability in Inverclyde, a region where the shipyard is a cornerstone of the local economy and of national industrial significance. The government also reiterated its intention to return the business to the private sector when the opportune moment arises.
Ferguson's, the sole remaining shipyard on the lower Clyde, boasts a legacy dating back to 1903. It has been instrumental in building approximately half of CalMac's current large vessel fleet. The firm provides employment for around 300 individuals, including 50 apprentices, in an area facing significant social deprivation and having witnessed the loss of around 1,200 jobs in recent times.
However, the yard has been shadowed by the persistent controversy surrounding the delayed and over-budget construction of the two flagship ferries, the Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa. These dual-fuel LNG ships, larger than anything previously constructed at the yard, faced considerable challenges, including design complexities and a costly dispute over extra expenses. These issues led to the firm's administration and subsequent nationalization. The Glen Sannox finally commenced sailings last year, nearly seven years behind its original schedule, and has recently undergone an extended overhaul, with its return to service imminent. The MV Glen Rosa, originally slated for delivery in 2018, is now anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.
The new small ferry orders will be based on designs similar to seven vessels previously awarded to a Polish shipyard, but these will be adapted for more demanding sea conditions. Ferguson Marine has a proven track record with smaller ferries, though it was previously outbid by its Eastern European competitor on price. The two fisheries vessels will replace ships that were themselves built at the Port Glasgow shipyard in 1998 and 2003.
Ferguson Marine chairman Duncan Anderson expressed optimism, suggesting the contracts will position the yard as an "industry leader in the years to come." Chief executive Graeme Thomson added that the yard's experience makes it "uniquely positioned to build these four vessels," expressing "utmost confidence in the talent and technical skill within our team." GMB secretary Louise Gilmour passionately stated, "We are an island nation, will always need ships and Ferguson Marine should be helping build them."
While Conservative transport spokeswoman Sue Webber welcomed the announcement and the commitment to a private sector return, she voiced concerns: "However, given the disasters the SNP has presided over in the building of the Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox, many Scots will have serious concerns about these new vessels being delivered on time and on budget." This sentiment echoes the anxieties of many who have followed the yard's recent history.
Scottish Labour MSPs also offered their support, though Rhoda Grant suggested the timing of the announcement might be politically motivated, likening it to a "photo-op." She pointed to current disruptions in CalMac sailings, urging ministers to "face up to their responsibilities and ensure that communities are properly compensated."
What are your thoughts on directly awarding these contracts? Do you believe this is the right path forward for Ferguson Marine and Scotland's maritime industry, or do the past challenges cast too long a shadow? Let us know in the comments below!
