The Scottish Government has announced proposals to award Ferguson Marine contracts for four new vessels, a move intended to bolster the future of the Port Glasgow yard and the wider Scottish shipbuilding industry.

The proposed direct awards, which remain subject to formal due diligence to assess their viability, would see the shipyard construct replacements for the Marine Directorate's research vessel, Scotia, and the fisheries protection vessel, Minna. Additionally, the yard would be tasked with building two new ferries as part of Phase 2 of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme.

These projects have been selected to align with the shipyard's existing technical capabilities. It is estimated that the contracts would utilize the majority of the yard's capacity over the next five years, providing a stable foundation that allows the business to simultaneously pursue further commercial work on the open market.

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Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes stated that the proposal follows the establishment of a new senior leadership team at Ferguson Marine and reflects the ongoing dedication of its staff.

Ms Forbes said: "Now is the time to invest further in Scottish shipbuilding and bolster confidence in the future of Ferguson Marine. This is a watershed moment. Fulfilment of the proposed programme, subject to due diligence processes to assess viability, would secure a pipeline of work and allow the shipyard to move ahead with its modernisation plans while pitching for additional orders on the open market. Since bringing the company into public ownership, the Scottish Government's goal has been for Ferguson Marine to become a competitive, thriving business which extends the long history of world class commercial shipbuilding on the River Clyde. My announcement today supports that ambition and sets a clear course for the future. We rescued Ferguson Marine for a purpose and we are determined to see it succeed."