Ferguson Marine contracts and Ardrossan Harbour acquisition
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) assumed Statutory Harbour Authority responsibilities for Ardrossan Harbour on June 17, 2026, following its nationalization by the Scottish Government, which was finalized by March 2026 at an estimated cost of £80 million. As of July 2026, a trade union has called for action regarding the intended direct award of four new vessel contracts to Ferguson Marine, which include two small ferries, a replacement for the marine research vessel Scotia, and a replacement for the fisheries protection vessel Minna, noting that these contracts have yet to be officially awarded. The MV Glen Rosa ferry recently left dry dock ahead of schedule on July 15, 2026, and is undergoing quality assurance and commissioning, with handover expected later in 2026, despite being eight years past its original delivery date and over £100 million over budget.
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July 2026 — 3 developments
Union Calls for Action as Ferguson Marine Contract Awards Delayed
A trade union has called for action regarding the intended direct award of four new vessel contracts to Ferguson Marine, noting that the contracts have yet to be officially awarded as of July 2026. The Scottish Government had announced its intention in March 2026 to directly award these contracts, which include two small ferries, a replacement for the marine research vessel Scotia, and a replacement for the fisheries protection vessel Minna.
MV Glen Rosa Ferry Leaves Dry Dock Ahead of Schedule; Older Ferries May Be Sold
The MV Glen Rosa ferry has recently left dry dock ahead of schedule and is undergoing quality assurance and commissioning, with a handover expected later in 2026. In a related development, three older CalMac ferries are nearing the end of their service lives and may be sold to operators in the Mediterranean.
Ferguson Marine Secures Four New Vessel Contracts; Ardrossan Harbour Authority Responsibilities Shift
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) assumed Statutory Harbour Authority responsibilities for Ardrossan Harbour on June 17, 2026, following its nationalization by the Scottish Government. Ferguson Marine has secured contracts for four new vessels, including two CalMac ferries, a research vessel, and a marine protection vessel, providing a five-year work pipeline.
June 2026 — 5 developments
MV Glen Rosa Enters Dry Dock for Hull Work Amid Delays and Cost Overruns
The ferry MV Glen Rosa has entered a dry dock in Greenock for hull work, a critical step for underwater inspections and structural repairs. This milestone comes after significant delays and cost overruns, with the vessel now eight years past its original delivery date and over £100 million over budget.
Scottish Government Completes Ardrossan Harbour Acquisition; MV Glen Rosa Engine Start Confirmed
The Scottish Government has completed the acquisition of Ardrossan Harbour through CMAL, intending it as the primary mainland port for CalMac ferry services. Separately, the MV Glen Rosa has completed its first official engine start and is progressing towards sea trials.
Ferguson Marine Board Had Productivity Fears Years After Warning
Ferguson Marine's board expressed ongoing productivity concerns in January 2025, years after a 2021 report identified similar issues. These concerns persisted despite the shipyard being awarded contracts for four new vessels.
MV Glen Sannox enters service as relief vessel; MV Glen Rosa now expected late 2026
The MV Glen Sannox has entered service as a relief vessel, while its sister ship, the MV Glen Rosa, is now expected in late 2026. This provides an update on the operational status and revised timelines for the two dual-fuel ferries built by Ferguson Marine.
Ferguson Marine Awarded Four New Vessel Contracts Amid Harbour Nationalization
Ferguson Marine has been awarded direct contracts for two CalMac passenger ferries and two research vessels, securing a five-year work pipeline. This follows the Scottish Government's nationalization of Ardrossan Harbour on March 18, 2026, to facilitate upgrades for new ferries. Meanwhile, the MV Isle of Islay has entered service, but its sister ship, the MV Glen Rosa, is over budget, and the MV Glen Sannox is on standby due to operational issues.
April 2026 — 5 developments
Ferguson Marine excluded from new CalMac ferry contract bid over eligibility criteria
Ferguson Marine has been excluded from bidding for a new CalMac ferry contract due to eligibility criteria set by CMAL, which require bidders to have delivered at least two vessels over 75 meters in the past five years. The shipyard's chief executive stated these criteria effectively rule out all UK shipbuilders. Despite this, the Scottish Government has allocated four additional vessels to Ferguson Marine through direct awards.
Scottish Government to nationalise Ardrossan Harbour and award new contracts to Ferguson Marine
The Scottish Government plans to nationalize Ardrossan Harbour and award new contracts to Ferguson Marine shipyard. The nationalization is expected to be finalized by March 2026 with an estimated cost of £80 million. Ferguson Marine will build two smaller CalMac ferries and two fisheries support vessels, securing five years of work.
Scottish Government buys Ardrossan Harbour for £5M; Ferguson Marine secures HMS Birmingham contract
The Scottish Government has finalized the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour for £5 million to accommodate new CalMac ferries. Ferguson Marine has also secured a contract to fabricate structural parts for HMS Birmingham, a Type 26 frigate for the Royal Navy.
Ferguson Marine secures five-year work pipeline with new ferry contracts
The MV Isle of Islay, the first of four new CalMac ferries built in Turkey, entered service on March 31, 2026, with the remaining three expected by February 2027. Ferguson Marine has been awarded contracts for these two ferries, plus a research vessel and a marine protection vessel, securing a five-year work pipeline.
Ferguson Marine awarded contracts for two CalMac ferries and two fisheries vessels
Ferguson Marine has been awarded contracts to build two smaller CalMac ferries and two fisheries support vessels, securing the shipyard's future for the next five years. This pipeline of work is intended to facilitate the shipyard's eventual return to private ownership. The nationalized shipyard previously lost out on contracts for electric ferries and freight vessels due to capacity limitations.
March 2026 — 5 developments
Scottish Government acquires Ardrossan Harbour for £16 million; upgrades due by 2029
The Scottish Government paid £16 million to acquire Ardrossan Harbour, with upgrade work now expected to be completed by 2029. The MV Glen Rosa ferry is anticipated to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Scottish Government completes Ardrossan Harbour purchase for redevelopment and new CalMac ferries
The Scottish Government has officially completed the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour, transitioning it to public ownership. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop stated this acquisition will enable focused redevelopment of the harbour as the primary mainland port for Arran and to accommodate the new, larger CalMac ferries, Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa. The cost of the purchase remains undisclosed due to confidentiality clauses.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirms Ardrossan Harbour acquisition by CMAL
An agreement has been reached for Ardrossan Harbour to be purchased by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), with formal acquisition expected later this month. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed negotiations with Peel Ports have concluded. In parallel, the Scottish Government plans to directly award four new vessel contracts to Ferguson Marine, including two ferries and two marine protection vessels, subject to due diligence.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop announces government agency to acquire Ardrossan Harbour
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop states that Ardrossan Harbour is set to be bought by the government's ferry and ports agency, with negotiations between CMAL and Peel Ports concluded.
Scottish Government awards Ferguson Marine contracts for four new vessels, buys Ardrossan Harbour
The Scottish Government announces it will directly award Ferguson Marine contracts to build four new vessels, including two ferries, a marine research vessel, and a marine protection vessel. Simultaneously, the government confirms plans to purchase Ardrossan Harbour from Peel Ports to facilitate necessary redevelopment.
January 2026 — 1 developments
John Swinney confirms advanced talks for Scottish Government to buy Ardrossan Harbour
First Minister John Swinney confirms that discussions for the Scottish Government to purchase Ardrossan Harbour are at a 'well advanced stage', with a deal expected by the end of the year.
January 2025 — 1 developments
MV Glen Sannox begins Arran service from Troon due to Ardrossan Harbour size
MV Glen Sannox begins service on the Arran route, operating from Troon Harbour due to Ardrossan Harbour being too small for the new vessel.
November 2024 — 1 developments
MV Glen Sannox formally handed over to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd
MV Glen Sannox is formally handed over to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), with its entry into service planned for January 2025.
August 2024 — 1 developments
Ferguson Marine bids for CalMac electric ferry contract
Ferguson Marine confirms it is bidding for a contract to build seven electric ferries for CalMac as part of the Small Vessels Replacement Programme, facing competition from 12 other companies.
March 2021 — 1 developments
Ferguson Marine reports £7.8m losses from pre-nationalisation vessel completions
Ferguson Marine's annual accounts reveal losses of £7.8m from completing three vessels (an oil barge and two fish farm work boats) that were under construction before nationalisation.
December 2019 — 1 developments
Scottish Government nationalises Ferguson Marine shipyard
Ferguson Marine shipyard is nationalised and taken into public ownership by the Scottish Government, trading as Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Limited.
October 2018 — 1 developments
Ferguson Marine signs contracts for two new LNG ferries, MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa
The contracts for two new LNG ferries, MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa, are signed with Ferguson Marine, with initial delivery dates set for May and July 2018 respectively.
August 2015 — 1 developments
Ferguson Marine announced as preferred bidder for £97 million CalMac ferry contract
Ferguson Marine is announced as the preferred bidder for a £97 million contract to build two new LNG ferries for Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac).
August 2014 — 1 developments
First Minister Alex Salmond persuades Jim McColl to buy Ferguson Marine shipyard
Ferguson Marine shipyard in Inverclyde goes into administration. First Minister Alex Salmond intervenes and persuades businessman Jim McColl to buy out the shipyard.