SCANDAL-HIT shipyard Ferguson Marine has lost out to a Polish yard on a key contract in a possible “death knell” for the yard.
The small vessels replacement programme – a contract to build seven small new ferries for the CalMac network – was instead awarded to Remontowa.
Ferguson Marine lost out on the key contract.[/caption]
The small vessels replacement programme is set to build seven small new ferries for the CalMac network.[/caption]
Insiders have warned for years Ferguson needed to win the contract in order to stay afloat.[/caption]
The Polish yard infamously missed out in 2014 when Nats ministers made the decision to give the contract for two ferries to Ferguson Marine, sparking a decade-long scandal.
Insiders have warned for years Ferguson needed to win the contract in order to stay afloat long-term.
Scottish Tory transport spokeswoman Sue Webber said the news was “devastating” for workers at the yard.
She said: “This announcement is devastating for Ferguson Marine and could yet prove the death knell for the yard.
“The blame for this outrageous situation lies squarely with incompetent SNP ministers who have let down workers at the yard, and ferry passengers across Scotland, at every turn.”
Scottish Labour transport spokeswoman Claire Baker said the decision showed how the SNP were “failing to stand up for Scotland”.
She said: “This is another blow to Scottish shipbuilding and the industry’s skilled workers.
“On the SNP watch, Scotland’s iconic shipbuilding industry has been let down and jobs and investment are going overseas.”
And workers at the yard blasted the decision and said it was “another blow to a workforce that has been used as a political punch bag for far too long.”
Alex Logan, GMB Scotland convenor at the Port Glasgow yard, added: “The reputation of skilled and committed workers has been dragged down by the incompetence and miscalculation of others.
“They deserve better and this contract should have allowed the yard to seize back a reputation for excellence unfairly torn away.”
But David Tydeman, former chief executive of the yard, said the delay to the Glen Rosa made it impossible for Ferguson’s to win the contract.
The Scottish Sun revealed in January that it was “unlikely” taxpayer-owned shipyard Ferguson Marine would deliver the Glen Rosa until spring 2026 – seven years late.
He told The Scottish Sun: “This is a sensible choice. Remontowa were the underbidder 10 years ago for the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa. I am sure they are going to do a good job.
“With the recent slippage of Glen Rosa, placing the work with Ferguson Marine, particularly with no CEO, it would be difficult to have any confidence in delivery dates and therefore in the interests of the islanders and all those who want to use the ferries, getting the fastest and best placed delivery I am sure is the best decision.”
Mr Tydeman also highlighted the ongoing struggles at Ferguson’s and raised £20million of extra costs at the yard that were being met by the taxpayer to pay for the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa to be finished.
He said: “The challenge for Ferguson Marine is how to survive.
“Since nationalisation in 2019, the two ferries have covered all the overhead costs of the yard from the board to the cleaners.
“Clearly all those costs cannot be charged to Glen Rosa. They need to find £20million to cover costs. How are they going to do that?”
The Glen Sannox, finally delivered in January this year, and the Glen Rosa are set to cost £400million, far more than the £97million initially claimed, and are at least six years late.
Nats ministers handed the ferries contract to the struggling firm in 2015. They then took it under public ownership in 2019 after it collapsed.
The seven new electric ferries as part of the SVRP will start being completed in 2027 – just six months after it is believed the Glen Rosa is due to be finished.
They will serve routes including Bute, Mull, and Raasay.
Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “These seven new vessels will help improve connectivity and resilience for island residents, businesses and communities, and their electric operation will contribute to reduced carbon emissions from Scotland’s ferry fleet and make ferry travel more sustainable.”
Ferry procurement body CMAL boss, Kevin Hobbs, added: “It is our responsibility to follow the Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland and appoint a yard capable of producing quality vessels which meet the needs of islanders, but that also deliver the best value for the public purse.”
