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The committee of MSPs has highlighted the urgent need for investment at the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow to enhance its competitiveness and ensure its survival. Concerns have been raised about the lack of future work beyond the ferry MV Glen Rosa, which is slated for delivery next year. Despite its long-standing reputation, leadership and governance issues, as well as delays and cost overruns in constructing two CalMac ferries, have tarnished the yard’s image.
Recent developments saw the Port Glasgow shipyard miss out on a government-funded order for seven small CalMac ferries due to labor costs, which ultimately led to losing the bid to a rival shipyard in Poland. The inability to effectively compete in the market has been attributed to decades of underinvestment. Committee convener Richard Leonard emphasized the need for capital expenditure to enable Ferguson Marine to secure upcoming work, whether it be for additional CalMac vessels, supporting renewable wind projects in the North Sea, or aiding the Border Patrol service.
The shipyard had been taken into public ownership in 2019 after encountering challenges with contracts for the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa ships. Delays and design issues persisted even under government control, with the total cost of the two ships amounting to approximately £460 million when factoring in written-off loans and pre-nationalization expenses. Despite the setbacks, there remains hope for future orders, including three small CalMac ferries in the next phase of vessel replacement. The committee recommended greater involvement of workforce representatives in board meetings to address ongoing challenges and ensure a path forward for the shipyard
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