Ferguson Shipyard to Receive Four Vessel Contracts
The publicly-owned Ferguson shipyard is set to be directly awarded contracts to construct four new vessels, according to plans announced by the Scottish government. Ministers have proposed commissioning the Clyde yard to build two small ferries, a marine research vessel, and a marine protection vessel.
The announcement was made in the Scottish Parliament and is contingent upon a due diligence process. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop clarified that a separate contract to replace the CalMac ferry MV Lord of the Isles would not be directly awarded but instead subjected to a competitive tendering process.
In her parliamentary statement, Hyslop proposed that contracts for two new vessels for the Sound of Harris and Sound of Barra, as part of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme, be directly awarded to Ferguson Marine.
Shortly thereafter, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced proposals to award Ferguson Marine contracts to replace the Scotia marine research vessel and the Minna marine protection vessel.
Forbes informed parliament that awarding these four contracts would enable the unlocking of up to £14.2 million in promised funding aimed at modernising the Port Glasgow shipyard.
Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) were also told that the contract for the MV Lord of the Isles would be put out to open tender in the coming weeks, with the intention of placing an order with a shipyard later this year. This decision comes despite calls for the contract to be directly awarded to Ferguson Marine.
'Dependable services'
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes addressed parliament, stating:
"These substantial proposals we are announcing today would deliver for Ferguson Marine, for island communities and for Inverclyde.
We are strengthening ferry resilience and connectivity for communities that rely on dependable services.
At the same time, our plans for new vessel awards would support skilled employment and industrial capability in Inverclyde, where Ferguson Marine remains an essential part of the local economy and a shipyard of national industrial importance."
Ferguson Marine, the last remaining shipyard on the lower Clyde, has been building vessels since 1903, including approximately half of CalMac's current large vessel fleet. The company employs around 300 workers, including about 50 apprentices, in an area that has experienced significant social deprivation and the loss of approximately 1,200 jobs in recent years.
However, the shipyard has been affected by a prolonged controversy regarding delays and cost overruns in the construction of two flagship ferries, the Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa. Glen Sannox began service last year, nearly seven years behind schedule. It has recently been out of service for an extended overhaul but is expected to return to operation shortly.
The MV Glen Rosa, originally due for delivery in 2018, is now not expected to be completed until the end of the current year.
Political Reactions
Scottish Labour's Rhoda Grant suggested that the announcement was timed with the upcoming Holyrood election in mind. She told MSPs:
"This statement is the equivalent to the photo-op of the Glen Sannox with painted on windows."
Grant also highlighted that a third of CalMac sailings on Thursday experienced disruptions and urged ministers to "face up to their responsibilities and ensure that communities are properly compensated."
