Four contracts for shipyard proposed.
The Scottish Government would award four new vessel contracts to
Ferguson Marine under proposals announced to Parliament today to
help secure a sustainable future for the yard and strengthen
Scottish shipbuilding.
Subject to appropriate due diligence processes to assess
viability, the direct awards would see the Port Glasgow shipyard
construct the replacements for the research vessel, Scotia, and
the fisheries protection vessel, Minna, for the Marine
Directorate, alongside two ferries under Phase 2 of the Small
Vessel Replacement Programme. The contracts match to the yard's
current capabilities and would take up most of its capacity for
the next five years, whilst also enabling the yard to pursue
additional commercial opportunities.
Deputy First Minister said the announcement built on
the strong foundation set by Ferguson Marine's new senior
leadership team and the continuing commitment of the workforce.
Ms Forbes said:
“Now is the time to invest further in Scottish shipbuilding and
bolster confidence in the future of Ferguson Marine.
“This is a watershed moment. Fulfilment of the proposed
programme, subject to due diligence processes to assess
viability, would secure a pipeline of work and allow the shipyard
to move ahead with its modernisation plans while pitching for
additional orders on the open market.
“Since bringing the company into public ownership, the Scottish
Government's goal has been for Ferguson Marine to become a
competitive, thriving business which extends the long history of
world class commercial shipbuilding on the River Clyde.
“My announcement today supports that ambition and sets a clear
course for the future. We rescued Ferguson Marine for a purpose
and we are determined to see it succeed.”
Background
Ferguson Marine: Deputy First
Minister's statement - 3 February 2026 - gov.scot
The proposals are subject to a detailed due diligence process to
assess viability, which is underway within the Scottish
Government. Over the coming weeks Ferguson Marine will finalise a
business plan and the Scottish Government will consider a
potential referral of the proposals to the Competition and
Markets Authority for review under the Subsidy Control Act.
The proposed contracts would also unlock the remainder of the
£14.2 million committed by the Scottish Government to upgrade the
yard's infrastructure, improve productivity and streamline
production.
