Ferguson Marine has been nationalised by the Scottish Government.

The shipyard in Port Glasgow where 2 vessels for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd were being built has been saved from closure. The yard was also due to construct the new Orkney interisland hydrogen ferry. Orkney’s Hydrogen Future

Garry Cook, GMB organiser welcomed the Scottish Government’s action. He said:

“Nationalisation secures the immediate future of the yard and that is a very welcome development, particularly after all the recent uncertainty.

“It is five years since the yard went bust and the Scottish Government has prevented that from happening again.

“Our immediate priority is to secure the re-employment of the workers released last weekend because their skills are essential and then we will insist the government works with us to develop a proper industrial plan for the yard because lessons must be learned.”

Economy Secretary in the Scottish Government  Derek Mackay visited the yard on Friday morning to speak to the workforce.  He also met with the newly-appointed Turnaround Director who will take forward steps to stabilise the business and support the recruitment of an incoming management team, including a Chief Executive Officer.

Derek Mackay said:

“Public control will provide much-needed continuity of employment now and ensure the completion of the CMAL ferry contracts at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayer.

“It is absolutely essential that the outstanding contracts to build these two ferries are completed in order to sustain the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network and provide vital support for the economies of our island communities.

“We are now working to put in place a management team which will refocus all efforts on completing this vital government contract. We will also be working closely with staff and the trades unions – as well as suppliers and customers – to achieve the best possible outcome for the yard.”

The yard employs around 300 workers whose jobs have now hopefully been saved. The ferries will get built and the new Turnaround Director, Tim Hair, will look at the way forward for the yard.