The Scottish Government has reached an agreement with administrators to take the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow into public control.
The deal will enable completion of the two ferries being built for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).
It will also ensure work continues towards delivery of the other vessels currently under construction and secure a future for the yard through continuity of employment for the workforce, the government explained.
The latest development follows two years of extensive discussions with partners to try and find a workable commercial solution.
visited the yard this morning to speak to the workforce and outlined the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for the yard.
“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 ,” Derek Mackay, Scotland’s Economy Secretary, said.
“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,” Mackay added.