The Scottish Government has announced plans to directly award contracts for four new vessels to the publicly owned Ferguson Marine shipyard on the Clyde, aiming to secure the yard’s future and strengthen domestic shipbuilding.
The proposed programme includes:
- Two small ferries under Phase 2 of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme
- A replacement for the marine research vessel SCOTIA
- A replacement for the fisheries protection vessel MINNA
The vessels would be built at the Port Glasgow yard, subject to a due diligence process assessing the viability of the plan.
According to the government, the contracts match the yard’s current capabilities and would occupy most of its capacity for the next five years, while still allowing Ferguson Marine to pursue additional commercial work.
Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop also confirmed that the replacement of the CalMac ferry LORD OF THE ISLES will not be directly awarded. Instead, it will go through a competitive tendering process.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes described the announcement as a significant step for the future of the yard, stating that the programme could secure a pipeline of work while allowing Ferguson Marine to proceed with modernisation plans and compete for further orders.
The proposals remain subject to detailed due diligence by the Scottish Government and may be referred to the Competition and Markets Authority under the UK Subsidy Control Act.
If approved, the programme would also unlock the remaining GBP 14.2 million previously committed by the Scottish Government for yard upgrades aimed at improving productivity and streamlining production.
Sources:
https://www.gov.scot/news/investing-in-ferguson-marine/
https://www.fergusonmarine.com/news/ferguson-marine-secured-four-vessel-direct-award/
