Ferguson shipyard, a state-owned facility in Port Glasgow, is set to reduce its workforce by approximately 25% due to a lack of confirmed future orders. The yard has recently completed sub-contracting work for BAE Systems on new Type 26 frigates.
The delivery of the first of two long-delayed CalMac ferries, MV Glen Sannox, occurred in November 2024. The second ferry, MV Glen Rosa, is anticipated to be completed by the end of the current year.
In March, the Scottish government announced plans to directly award the shipyard contracts for four additional vessels. These proposed contracts include two small CalMac ferries, a fisheries research ship, and a marine protection vessel. The government stated these contracts were intended to provide a "bridge to the future" for the yard. At the time, the then Economy Secretary Kate Forbes indicated that significant preparatory work, including legal advice and engagement with the Competition and Markets Authority, would be necessary for these direct awards.