The Scottish Government-owned Ferguson Marine shipyard has made progress in the process to replace small ferries, raising hopes for its future. Along with Cammell Laird in Liverpool, Chilean firm Asenav SA, Turkish yard Cemre Marin Edustri AS, the Polish Remontowa Shipbuilding SA, and the multinational Damen Offshore and Specialised Vessels, the Port Glasgow-based yard has been chosen to proceed to the invite to tender stage of the small vessel replacement program.
The program, totaling £175 million, aims to construct seven smaller electric vessels to serve the country’s less-populated islands. Tenders are anticipated by January, with the contract award scheduled for March.
Connectivity minister Jim Fairlie expressed the government’s strong commitment to enhancing the country’s aging ferry fleet. He is pleased that the procurement process has reached the second stage and believes that the new electric vessels will significantly reduce emissions and improve local air quality, moving towards a lower carbon ferry network. Fairlie also mentioned that the new ferries would benefit existing routes and lead to the redeployment of vessels on two other routes.
Kevin Hobbs, the chief executive of ferry procurement body Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), highlighted the global interest in the project from various shipyards. Six shipyards, including Ferguson Marine, have been invited to tender for the contract based on their suitability for the project.
Despite facing challenges in the past, Ferguson Marine remains optimistic about the future. A spokesperson from the shipyard emphasized their team’s dedication and readiness to deliver the small vessels for CMAL. With the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge, Ferguson Marine is confident in submitting a strong bid for the project.
The shipyard’s involvement in the ferry replacement program signifies a step forward in revitalizing the fleet and infrastructure for island communities. As the process moves forward, stakeholders are hopeful that the new electric vessels will bring positive changes to the ferry services in Scotland.