Ferguson Marine announces voluntary layoffs for 70 staff due to workload gaps as it shifts focus to new projects and ongoing ferry construction.
Ferguson Marine to Begin Layoff Program for 70 Employees
Ferguson Marine, the state-controlled shipbuilding company in Scotland, has announced that it will initiate a voluntary layoff program due to a workload gap experienced during the transition to new projects at the shipyard. The company reported that approximately 70 employees are expected to leave.
As the last commercial shipyard in the Clyde region, Ferguson Marine has been struggling with long-standing financial and operational issues. After years of difficulties, the shipyard was nationalized by the Scottish Government in 2019.
The current priority of the shipyard is the construction of two long-delayed LNG-fueled ferries for CalMac and its parent company, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). The second of these vessels, Glen Rosa, left the shipyard in June for final dry-docking and hull cleaning operations.
In addition to hull cleaning and coating work, maintenance on the thrusters and propellers has been completed, and efforts are now focusing on the internal outfitting of the vessel. Following processes such as painting, flooring, ceiling tiles, and wall panel installation, final inspections are planned to commence. The sea trials and delivery of Glen Rosa are targeted to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Also Involved in the Type 26 Frigate Program
At the end of July, Ferguson Marine also completed the delivery of blocks produced under the UK's new Type 26 frigate program. The shipyard had received a contract to produce three structural units for HMS Birmingham, which is being built for the Royal Navy in collaboration with Malin Abram and Coastworks.
HMS Birmingham stands out as the fourth ship in the Type 26 frigate program, which is being led by BAE Systems.
New Projects Create Hope for Workforce
As the financial issues faced by the shipyard have become a focal point of political discussions in Scotland, the government has announced new investments and projects to secure the future of the business.
The Scottish Government has provided a capital investment of £14.2 million to Ferguson Marine. The funding is planned to be used for infrastructure and equipment improvements aimed at enhancing the shipyard's competitiveness.
Additionally, the government announced its intention in March to award a strategic direct contract for four new ships to support the ongoing operations of the shipyard. The plan includes the construction of two ferries for CMAL, as well as a Marine Protection Vessel (MPV) and a Marine Research Vessel (MRV).
Ferguson Marine stated that assessments for these projects are ongoing, while explaining that the reduction in personnel aims to align the shipyard's structure with its current workload and to rebalance the necessary skills.
“Our Priority is the Delivery of Glen Rosa”
Ferguson Marine CEO Graeme Thomson stated that the shipyard's priority is to safely and high-quality complete and deliver Glen Rosa.
Thomson noted that as the vessel approaches completion, an inevitable workload gap has arisen between current projects and new build programs, and he expressed that contract negotiations with the Scottish Government are ongoing.
The company aims for the shipyard to achieve a more stable business structure and offer long-term career opportunities to employees with the commencement of new shipbuilding programs.
Thus, while Ferguson Marine strives to complete the long-delayed Glen Rosa project, it is also preparing to restructure its workforce in line with current activity levels before new ship orders are finalized.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
