Scottish ministers are facing calls from MSPs to take further steps to safeguard the future of Ferguson Marine shipyard, including the direct award of a new CalMac ferry contract. The nationalised yard currently has no ship orders beyond the delayed Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa vessels.
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Màiri McAllan told MSPs she would “leave no stone unturned” to help the yard, but warned that directly awarding contracts is only legal in very limited circumstances. The Port Glasgow yard has been plagued by controversy over the construction of two large CalMac ferries, which are six years late and four times over budget, with costs now exceeding £400 million.
SNP backbencher Kenny Gibson suggested a direct award of seven small vessels, similar to ones the yard has previously built successfully, would show that Ferguson Marine has “turned the corner”. Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan also supported the move. However, McAllan stressed that breaching procurement rules could lead to legal challenges and further delays.
The minister was also asked about investment in new equipment to improve productivity. Last November, the Scottish government rejected a £25 million request for software and an automated plating line due to state aid rules. McAllan said a revised proposal from the shipyard is expected by the end of the month.
Glen Sannox is due for delivery in late May or early June, with Glen Rosa expected by September next year. The ships are the first UK-built vessels capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), though the gas systems have yet to be commissioned. Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene suggested running Glen Sannox on diesel only to speed up service, but the minister said the ferry operator wants dual-fuel capability.
