FERGUSON Marine, Port Glasgow, has started a voluntary redundancy programme as it manages the gap between completing its current order book and starting work on a new phase of shipbuilding contracts.
The shipyard, which is owned by the Scottish Government, has opened formal consultations which are expected to see up to 70 employees — around a quarter of the workforce — depart through a voluntary process.
The yard is moving into the final outfitting and commissioning phases of ferry MV Glen Rosa ahead of delivery in the final quarter of this year.
In March 2026, the Scottish Government announced its intention to provide a strategic direct award to Ferguson Marine for four new vessels: two ferries for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) under the Small Vessel Replacement Programme, a Marine Protection Vessel (MPV) and a Marine Research Vessel (MRV). Due diligence on this direct award is currently underway.
Graeme Thomson, chief executive of Ferguson Marine, said: “Our immediate focus remains the safe, high-quality handover of Glen Rosa in Q4 2026. However, as the vessel nears completion, we face an inevitable gap in workload while we work with the Scottish Government to make the relevant preparations to enable us to proceed with contract negotiations.
“Shipbuilding capability relies on continuity and while changes of this nature are difficult, taking proactive action now ensures we protect the long-term viability of the yard and remain lean, modern, and ready to cut steel on the new fleet as quickly as possible.
“We take our responsibility to our workforce and community incredibly seriously. By offering a voluntary redundancy path, we want to support team members who have given so much to shipbuilding on the Clyde as they consider their next steps. At the same time, we are doing everything in our power to ensure the yard is structured to offer secure, long-term careers once the new build programme gets underway.”
Ferguson Marine confirmed that the consultation process will have no impact on the remaining work or delivery schedule for MV Glen Rosa. A phased transition plan is in place to maintain strict quality and safety standards across all active projects.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “The voluntary redundancies scheme announced by Ferguson Marine today is part of efforts to modernise the shipyard and put it on a more competitive footing.
“The action that the leadership team at Ferguson Marine is taking today is necessary to help secure a viable future for the yard, and that of commercial shipbuilding on the Clyde. This is alongside their efforts to upskill workers, bid for new contracts and opportunities with partners.
“I am assured that a reduced workforce will not impact the build of the MV Glen Rosa, which is on track to be delivered in quarter four 2026. Our intention to directly award four vessels continues to undergo full due diligence further to next steps which will be announced to Parliament in due course.”
Martin McCluskey, MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West, said: “These redundancies will be deeply concerning for workers, their families and the wider Inverclyde community. Ferguson Marine is an important part of our industrial heritage and a hugely significant part of the economic future of this sector. The UK cannot afford to lose any shipbuilding capacity.
“The Scottish Government promised work for the yard when they wanted people’s votes at the election and we are still waiting. Trade unions and workers have been calling for ferry contracts for years. It should never have come to this point, with skilled workers facing redundancy while the Scottish Government continues to deliberate over orders it has already said it wants to place with the yard. It is economic vandalism of the highest order.
“This morning I spoke to local trade union representatives to offer any support and will be speaking to BAE Systems about the work at Govan and the substantial pipeline of work there, which is already supporting hundreds of local jobs. My hope is that anyone who is no longer employed at Ferguson Marine can find work elsewhere on the Clyde.
“The Scottish Government needs to step up, move faster and do everything within its power to secure the future of Ferguson Marine and the skilled jobs that depend on it.”
