Ferguson Marine shipyard loses out on Western Ferries contract for two new vessels

Scotland’s nationalised shipyard Ferguson Marine has lost out on yet another contract to build new vessels – this time for Western Ferries.

On Friday, the multi-million pound contract to build two new small vessels for the Western Ferries fleet was awarded to the APCL Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, England.

David Dishon, chief financial officer at Ferguson Marine, said the news was “disappointing”.

He added: “Ferguson Marine remains focused on securing new work from a range of sources to build its pipeline.”

The two new River Clyde ferries are intended to operate on the Gourock to Dunoon route and reduce the average age of the Western Ferries fleet.

Construction will begin shortly with both vessels due to be delivered to the Firth of Clyde in autumn 2026.

Western Ferries managing director Gordon Ross said the decision to appoint Cammell Laird over Ferguson’s followed a highly competitive process.

“APCL Cammell Laird was selected as the preferred bidder due to the strength of its proposal, demonstrating exceptional value in cost, expertise, and the quality of its shipbuilding facilities,” Mr Ross said.

“Their bid was immensely strong on all fronts, and with their heritage of maritime excellence, we are confident that they will deliver vessels of the highest quality, on time and on budget.”

David McGinley, group CEO of APCL Group welcomed the announcement of this latest contract with Western Ferries.

“This contract marks the next major milestone in APCL Group being recognised as the UK’s leading commercial shipbuilder,” he said.

“Continued orders from British companies to British shipyards ensure that the UK remains as a leader of commercial shipbuilding on the world stage.”

The announcement on Friday marks the second time in two months that Ferguson Marine has been passed over for a new ferries contract.

In March, the company lost out on a contract for seven new CalMac ferries to a shipbuilding firm in Poland.

Mr Dishon from Ferguson Marine added: “We are a nation with a proud shipbuilding heritage, it’s great to see private investment into the build of new ferries, something vitally important to our economy and sector.

“We want to thank Western Ferries for the opportunity to bid and congratulate Cammell Laird on being selected as the preferred bidder. We wish both companies every success and hope to continue our long-standing working relationship with Western Ferries in the future.”