Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Scottish ministers pledged £14.2m over two years to the state-owned Ferguson shipyard for new machinery to enhance efficiency and secure new orders. However, procurement orders for major equipment, like a new panel line, were withdrawn in March. The Scottish government emphasized that the funding commitment remains, contingent on meeting due diligence and commercial standards.
As Ferguson Marine works on completing the MV Glen Rosa, concerns rise over the sluggish pace of new investments crucial for moving past the prolonged ferries controversy. The shipyard’s hopes to restore its reputation with an order for seven smaller CalMac ferries were dashed when a Polish firm underbid for the contract worth approximately £160m. This development followed the cancellation of procurement notices for a new steel cutting machine and semi-automated panel line.
GMB Scotland, the largest trade union at Ferguson Marine, expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in receiving the essential investment. General Secretary Louise Gilmour highlighted that the workers eagerly anticipated the promised funding to rejuvenate the shipyard’s reputation tarnished by past mistakes. Ferguson Marine’s new CEO, Graeme Thomson, discussed the significance of new equipment in aligning the shipyard’s productivity with modern standards prevalent in shipyards across the UK and internationally.
Despite commencing the investment program last December, the exact sum spent thus far by the Scottish government remains undisclosed. Mr. Thomson informed MPs that a new order must be secured before procuring additional equipment. The yard anticipates a reduction in steel production hours by 30-40% with the new machinery, promising productivity levels on par with contemporary shipyards. The Scottish government reiterated its commitment to investing £14.2m over two years, subject to meeting due diligence criteria and commercial standards, emphasizing a phased approach to releasing the allocated funds as part of a comprehensive plan agreed upon with Ferguson Marine management
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.