Ferguson Marine has signed a contract with BAE Systems to fabricate three major structural components for HMS Birmingham, the fourth ship in the Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigate programme.
The work will sustain and grow the Port Glasgow shipyard’s 300-strong workforce over the next two to three years.
The new contract follows previous Type 26 work completed by Ferguson Marine in 2024, when the yard delivered hull sections for another ship in the class. These sections were transported to BAE Systems’ Govan facility aboard the CW-9 barge operated by Coastworks, marking the barge’s first operational deployment. That delivery demonstrated the yard’s ability to produce and move large-scale naval modules to precise standards.
Under the new agreement, steel cutting on the three components is expected to begin imminently. Once complete, the units will again be transported to the Govan yard, where HMS Birmingham is currently under construction. Each Type 26 frigate consists of nearly 60 structural units, integrated at Govan before the ship is transferred to Scotstoun for systems fitting and commissioning.
The Type 26 programme, led by BAE Systems, is intended to provide what the company describes as “the most advanced anti-submarine warfare capability available.” The frigates are designed for global operations and are a key part of the Royal Navy’s future surface fleet.
Graeme Thomson, Chief Executive of Ferguson Marine, said the contract was a milestone for the yard’s recovery and growth. “This contract is a significant step for Ferguson Marine and will enable us to play a role in enhancing the UK’s world-class maritime capability,” he said. “As the last commercial shipbuilder on the Clyde, we are uniquely positioned to act as an extension of the important work happening under the Type 26 programme.”
Thomson said the agreement confirmed the yard’s ability to compete in national defence work. “This proves the ability of our skilled workforce to secure new business. We are committed to expanding our experience, with this representing an important opportunity to grow the skill of the younger members of our workforce, to win future commercial contracts in this and related markets.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the deal validated the Scottish Government’s decision to nationalise the yard. “This contract award is a positive demonstration of the shipyard’s capabilities, skills and ability to win work in a commercial playing field, and most importantly, the workers at Ferguson Marine,” she said.
“The Scottish Government’s decision to take Ferguson Marine into public ownership saved the last commercial shipyard on the Clyde and we continue to ensure the long-term future of the yard and the workforce, with investment of up to £14.2 million in the yard over the next two years in order to help it modernise and secure further future business.”
“Securing new business for the Ferguson Marine Yard has always been vital for the Scottish Government, which is why this contract is so welcome,” she added. “I sincerely hope that the business’s future commercial strategy, which is being spearheaded by a new CEO, will enable Ferguson Marine to win new business in its target markets.”
I do hope Bae have a strict quality and control system in this contract.
Ferguson already done steel work for the T26 and no one has had an issues with it, problems with the Ferry’s are nothing to do with guys in the yard and everything to do with daft decisions made at board and government level.
What a load of complete bollox. Why don’t you just give up? What do you know about board level decisions? Idiot
Well let’s hope the management you mentioned have been given the heave hoo.
SNP can keep thier beak out of it too.
I thought Forbes & co were dead against any form of military work!! They seem to have a gigantic set of contradictory double standards up in Scotland.
Forbes supports defence manufacturing and skills development such as shipbuilding. She does not support govt support for munitions manufacturing in Scotland. Her views seem to be more constructive than the (more negative) SNP party line.
I hope they don’t start painting windows