Scottish Shipbuilding Criticized as Freight Vessel Contracts Go Abroad
Two new Northern Isles harbor freight vessels are set to be built abroad, with no Scottish shipyards invited to bid. This decision has sparked criticism from Scottish Liberal Democrat Jamie Greene, who accuses the SNP of not backing domestic shipbuilding despite expressing confidence in the industry globally.
Greene has raised concerns about the government's procurement policy, questioning why Scottish shipyards were not considered for the news of the contract. The contracts for the two new harbor freight ships are expected to be awarded in 2024, with Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow tipped as the likely recipient. However, the yard's future is uncertain, as the government's letter of comfort expires in October 2025, leaving it without major new contracts.
Greene has also challenged the First Minister over the delayed £14.2 million upgrade at Ferguson Marine. Despite the yard being publicly-owned, it has not received most of the promised investment. The upgrade was meant to secure the yard's long-term future and create jobs, but its progress has been slow.
The decision to build the new harbor freight vessels abroad has raised questions about the Scottish government's commitment to supporting the domestic shipbuilding industry. With Ferguson Marine's future uncertain and the delayed upgrade, Greene continues to press the First Minister for answers on when Scottish shipyards will be prioritized for contracts.
