Four-vessel newbuild plan delivers long-term certainty for Ferguson Marine
The Scottish Government has confirmed plans to directly award Ferguson Marine contracts for the construction of four new vessels, securing a significant boost for the state-owned shipyard on the Clyde.
The package of vessels as part of the proposed award includes the design and build of a new class of Marine Protection Vessel (MPV) and Marine Research Vessel (MRV) for Marine Scotland to replace MPV ‘Minna’ and MRV ‘Scotia’, originally built by Ferguson Marine and currently nearing the end of their service lives.
The additional vessels are two CalMac passenger ferries for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) as part of the second phase of the Scottish Government’s Small Vessel Replacement Programme. Ferguson Marine has constructed around a third of the vessels serving as part of the current CalMac fleet – many of which are operating well beyond their intended service life.
The move establishes a guaranteed five-year order book, providing long-term certainty for the yard and safeguarding hundreds of skilled jobs across the region. The sustained workload is also expected to underpin Ferguson Marine’s ongoing modernisation ambitions, supporting investment in facilities, workforce development and operational efficiency as it seeks to strengthen its position in the domestic shipbuilding market.
Duncan Anderson, Chair of Ferguson Marine, said: “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.
“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.
“We look forward to collaborating and strengthening our relationships with the Scottish Government, CMAL, CalMac, Marine Scotland and beyond as we work together to determine a robust plan for delivery.”
Graeme Thomson, CEO of Ferguson Marine, said: “This is a watershed moment for our shipyard and a significant opportunity for us to retain our Clydebuilt workforce. 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.
“Our experience, demonstrated through our successful work on similar projects, means we are uniquely positioned to build these four vessels. I have the utmost confidence in the talent and technical skill within our team to produce ships fit to serve communities and provide critical research infrastructure for years to come.
“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 is a strategic national asset, which has been in operation for over a century and has been wholly owned by the Scottish Government since its nationalisation in 2019.
David Dishon, CFO of Ferguson Marine, said: “Securing a contract of this magnitude would be a significant step towards financial sustainability. We have navigated considerable headwinds over the past few years, but this direct award would allow us to turn a corner.
“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, fostering growth and stability for the families and businesses that grow alongside us.”
Ferguson Marine is currently focused on the completion of MV Glen Rosa, ongoing work with BAE Systems on the Type 26 frigate programme, and delivery of a transformation project that will modernise the shipyard. The shipyard will now work closely with the Scottish Government on a sequencing plan for this new work.
