Ferguson Shipyard Misses Out on Electric Ferry Contract
The nationalised Ferguson shipyard has lost a key order for seven small electric ferries to Polish firm Remontowa. The vessels are part of a £175 million initiative to update the fleet for Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), a key west coast ferry operator. Despite Ferguson's bid, the company was outmatched, with the first ferries expected to augment the CalMac fleet by 2027.
Ferguson Marine , the last commercial shipyard on the Clyde, had counted on this contract as part of its five-year business plan. The shipyard has faced challenges before, notably with delays in building larger ferries for CalMac. The loss underscores the competitive disadvantage UK's shipyards face, especially against yards with reduced operating costs.
The decision to award the contract to Remontowa has sparked criticism. GMB convener Alex Logan highlighted the workforce's struggle with past reputation issues, asserting the importance of local contracts. The Scottish government maintained the contract award was about "best value," yet faced backlash from political figures, who criticized the decision as detrimental to Scottish industry.
Ferguson Marine 's Chief Financial Officer, David Dishon, highlighted the difficulty of competing on price with international yards, although the firm's quality rating was high. The shipyard’s management is also engaging in more subcontract work with BAE Systems and exploring other opportunities, which they hope will better position them for future projects.
Political figures like Inverclyde's Labour MP Martin McCluskey and Scottish Conservative Sue Webber have voiced their disappointment, advocating for more local wins. The resulting contract loss reflects ongoing challenges for Ferguson and its workers amid economic pressures.
The Polish Remontowa yard, a long-time rival, has previously built several vessels for CalMac and disputes any claims of unfair competition. As Ferguson contemplates its next steps, the situation remains a focal point in discussions about the future of Scottish shipbuilding and government policy.