Ferguson Marine has secured a direct award from the Scottish Government covering four new vessels, a move the yard says will provide a five-year pipeline of work and safeguard hundreds of jobs on the Clyde.
The proposed package includes the design and build of a new class of Marine Protection Vessel and Marine Research Vessel for Marine Scotland, replacing MPV Minna and MRV Scotia, both originally built at the Port Glasgow yard and now approaching the end of their service lives. It also covers two CalMac passenger ferries for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited as part of the second phase of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme.
Duncan Anderson, Chair of Ferguson Marine, said the decision marked a turning point for the state-owned yard. “This direct award does more than just help with our order book; it underpins our future, improves our resilience and confirms our strategic importance to the country,” he said. “The Scottish Government’s intention to award us four new vessels marks the beginning of a new chapter for Ferguson Marine, securing our enduring legacy and ensuring we progress toward being a leader in the industry in years to come.”
He added that the company looked forward to working closely with the Scottish Government, CMAL, CalMac and Marine Scotland to agree a delivery plan.
Graeme Thomson, Chief Executive of Ferguson Marine, described the award as a watershed moment. “This is a watershed moment for our shipyard and a significant opportunity for us to retain our Clydebuilt workforce,” he said. “By unlocking vital infrastructure and equipment upgrades, this direct award is the catalyst for Ferguson Marine to become a world-class, digitally enabled shipbuilder, capable of competing on a global stage.”
Thomson said the yard’s experience on comparable projects placed it in a strong position to deliver the vessels. “Our experience, demonstrated through our successful work on similar projects, means we are uniquely positioned to build these four vessels,” he said. “While we acknowledge the challenges of the recent past, they do not define our future. We are returning to the core of what we do best: delivering world-class vessels on the Clyde.”
The Port Glasgow shipyard has operated for more than a century and has been wholly owned by the Scottish Government since its nationalisation in 2019. In addition to the new vessels, Ferguson Marine is currently focused on completing MV Glen Rosa, supporting BAE Systems on the Type 26 frigate programme and delivering a wider transformation project aimed at modernising its facilities.
David Dishon, Chief Financial Officer, said the scale of the award would help place the business on a firmer footing. “Securing a contract of this magnitude would be a significant step towards financial sustainability,” he said. “We have navigated considerable headwinds over the past few years, but this direct award would allow us to turn a corner.”
He added that the yard intended to reinvest the benefits locally. “We plan to reinvest the benefits directly back into our community, providing vital stimulus to our local supply chain. Having a steady stream of work means that the shipyard will remain an economic anchor for the region.”
Ferguson Marine will now work with ministers on sequencing the programme, with the award intended to provide long-term stability for the workforce and wider supply chain.
Ah well better late than never I guess.
I feel Ferguson marine hasn’t exploited the Agricultural, Workboat and Fishing markets much smaller companies in the UK have full order book building vessels for these markets, Government work and ferries are fine the government is ordering but the commercial market offers a lot more diversity in vessels and range of work, doesn’t look like Ferguson marine even tried to tap into commercial market out side of ferries under Scottish government control