Scotland’s Ferguson Marine shipyard faces a dire future as unions accuse the government of dragging its feet on vital support. On December 10, 2025, GMB Scotland raised alarms during a Holyrood debate, claiming delays in investment and new ferry orders could sabotage the publicly owned yard in Port Glasgow.
Union Sounds Alarm on Shipyard Crisis
Workers at Ferguson Marine have built ferries for decades, but recent troubles have put jobs and operations at risk. The GMB union, representing most employees, called the situation an emergency that demands quick action from leaders.
In a sharp statement, union leaders said government excuses have wasted months. They pointed to a public audit report from six months ago that highlighted underinvestment and governance issues. Without new contracts, the yard might not survive, they warned.
The debate at Holyrood focused on this report, which urged more backing to make the yard competitive again. Critics say years of problems, like massive delays on two dual-fuel ferries, have damaged its reputation. Yet, the union insists the yard can rebound with proper help.
Government Faces Catch-22 Accusations
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes defended the government’s stance, stressing the yard’s national value. She noted past efforts to save jobs but said any new deals must follow strict rules on procurement and subsidies.
Opposition voices, including Labour, argue the government created a no-win setup. They claim officials demand a solid business plan for funding, but the yard needs orders first to build that plan. This loop has stalled progress, leaving workers in limbo.
Forbes confirmed that only a small portion of promised funds has flowed so far. The full amount hinges on a revised strategy that includes fresh work. Transport Scotland is reviewing options, but no timeline exists yet.
Key challenges include:
- Huge cost overruns on ongoing projects, ballooning from initial estimates.
- Competition from foreign yards in Turkey and Poland winning CalMac contracts.
- Aging fleet needs urgent replacements to serve island communities.
Push for Direct Ferry Award Grows
Calls for a direct contract award to Ferguson Marine have intensified. In September 2025, community leaders and politicians urged First Minister John Swinney to assign the MV Lord of the Isles replacement to the yard without bidding.
This move could restore confidence and secure jobs, supporters say. The project has been procurement-ready since summer, but delays persist. Union officials argue it’s simple: Scotland owns the yard and needs ferries, so pair them up.
Recent events add pressure. A ferry under construction in Turkey faced more setbacks last week, highlighting risks of overseas builds. Meanwhile, names for seven new CalMac vessels were picked in a public vote, with the first due in 2027.
Historical Delays Fuel Current Woes
Ferguson Marine’s troubles trace back years. The Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa ferries, ordered in 2015, are now years late and costs have soared to over four times the original budget.
These issues stem from design flaws, supply chain problems, and management shifts. Audits have blamed poor oversight, yet the yard delivered reliable ships before nationalization in 2019.
Looking ahead, experts predict that without intervention by early 2026, the yard could face closure. This would hit Port Glasgow hard, where it employs hundreds and supports local suppliers.
| Key Ferguson Marine Milestones | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nationalization | 2019 | Government takes over to save jobs after bankruptcy threat. |
| Dual-Fuel Ferry Contract | 2015 | Initial £97 million deal for two ships, now over £400 million. |
| Audit Report Release | June 2025 | Calls for urgent investment to address underfunding. |
| Latest Debate | December 10, 2025 | Union demands action; government cites rules. |
| Expected New Ferry Arrival | 2027 | First of seven CalMac vessels, but yard’s role unclear. |
Broader Impact on Scotland’s Islands
Island communities rely on CalMac ferries for daily life, and delays mean unreliable service. Businesses suffer from canceled sailings, especially in bad weather, as seen in recent storms disrupting routes.
The government’s ferry renewal plan aims to modernize the fleet, but critics say favoring foreign builders ignores homegrown talent. A direct award could boost Scottish manufacturing and cut long-term costs.
Union leaders like Louise Gilmour stress it’s not complicated. With public ownership of both the yard and ferry operator, action now could prevent a bigger crisis.
Path Forward Amid Uncertainty
Options for revival include government-backed loans or partnerships with global firms. Some suggest focusing on smaller vessels where Ferguson excels, building on its history.
As 2025 ends, pressure mounts for decisions before budget talks in 2026. Stakeholders hope for a breakthrough to secure the yard’s role in Scotland’s maritime future.
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