The Scottish Government said it is ready to take over the construction of two Cal Mac ferries stuck in the troubled Ferguson shipyard on the Clyde.
Ferguson Marine (FMEL) served notice of intent to file for administration.
Delivery of two ferries for the west coast are wildly behind schedule with the vessel commissioned for the Skye triangle route delayed indefinitely.
Ferguson Marine was contracted to deliver both boats by July 2018 for £97 million.
Work virtually stopped while the Port Glasgow firm and the Scottish Government argued over the soaring costs of the project.
Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said it is “essential” to act quickly to secure the completion of the ferries and save the 350 jobs at Fergusons.
He said: “The Scottish Government has been working for over two years to find a resolution to the difficulties at FMEL.
“Throughout that time our preference has been to identify viable commercial options to keep the yard going and to finish the vessels.
“No such solutions have come forward.”
The Scottish Government has now indicated to all relevant parties that it is “ready and willing” to take Ferguson Marine into public ownership and deliver the ferries to secure the continued employment of the workforce in the yard.
“There remains a process to go through to secure the transfer of the yard to the Scottish Government, and we are hopeful that all parties recognise the importance of completing that transfer as quickly and as smoothly as possible,” said Mr Mackay.
“While we are open to engaging with any parties with a serious interest in investing in and securing a future for the shipyard, it is essential the government acts now to secure the completion of the ferries and continuity of employment at Fergusons.”
The shipyard’s owner, Jim McColl, one of Nicola Sturgeon’s own economic advisers, has accused the SNP of ‘abusing their power.’
He said there is “no economic sense” in the government taking over and it would be “economically damaging for the local area, and for Scotland.”
Scottish Government poised to nationalise Ferguson’s shipyard and deliver delayed ferries
12 August 2019
