Ferguson Marine has secured a new 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 deal is expected to sustain and grow the Port Glasgow shipyard’s 300-strong workforce over the next two to three years.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray framed the award as part of the broader benefits flowing from UK defence spending in Scotland. “Shipbuilding on the Clyde is thriving thanks to UK Government investment in defence. This Royal Navy contract going to Ferguson Marine is great news for the workers there, who will play a key role in keeping our country safe. This is the UK’s defence dividend in action for Scotland.”
The components will be transported to BAE’s Govan yard, where the ship is being assembled. Steel cutting is due to begin imminently. Each Type 26 frigate consists of nearly 60 structural units, integrated at Govan before the vessel moves to Scotstoun for systems integration and commissioning. BAE Systems has described the class as providing “the most advanced anti-submarine warfare capability available.”
Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: “BAE Systems has a productive relationship with Ferguson Marine who are a key supplier of structural steelwork on the Clyde and have built two units for the Type 26 programme. This award strengthens our relationship and their continued involvement in the programme.”
Ferguson Marine previously completed and delivered hull sections for the Type 26 programme in 2024. Those sections were transported to Govan using the CW-9 barge operated by Coastworks, marking the vessel’s first operational deployment and reinforcing Ferguson’s role in the Clyde shipbuilding ecosystem.
Graeme Thomson, Chief Executive of Ferguson Marine, said the contract reflected the workforce’s growing competitiveness. “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.”
“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.”
Ferguson is also continuing work on the ferry Glen Rosa and planning to invest £14.2 million of upgrades to modernise the yard. The long-term strategy includes building on defence partnerships and winning work across both military and commercial markets.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes added: “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.”
Good news, And fair play to the shipyard and its workers ! And before anyone makes a dig about the Ferries Fiasco it’s a separate issue. Fact is we need yards to build sub blocks and they wouldn’t get this work if it was substandard or not competitively priced, I hope there will follow up orders and the same applies to CL.
It’s not their fault that the Politicians & Management couldn’t organise a Woke Friendly, team building exercise in a Brewery !
Agreed.
So BAE will be in control of quality control so they will be responsible if anything goes wrong and will need to rectify it.
Probably a good move for all concerned.
Probably not and for that very reason, but a pre delivery inspection would be in order. BAe has spent a lot of time and effort training Fergusons metal workers over the last few years and fact is they cannot let standards fall.
Given the complete pigs they made of the Rivers I wouldn’t put BAe in charge of quality control for a Fish supper.
I look forward to Ian Murray congratulating the SNP’s foresight in keeping the yard open. Unlike the unionist parties which were happy to see it closed.
The timelines mentioned seem off to me. George ‘s soiree round the build hall and recent other news showed Belfast well on the way to being built. A small amount of Birmingham was seen in the build hall. I really hope Ferguson’s aren’t still welding up blocks for Birmingham in three years. Or is this a contingency in case Norway does order the T26 and Ferguson’s will build the blocks for the current Birmingham and for the new Birmingham should the current one become somethin more Scandinavian?