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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Stalemate fears over Ardrossan harbour buyout plan
Campaigners fear a plan to bring Ardrossan harbour into public ownership to enable a major redevelopment has reached a stalemate. The North Ayrshire port faces an uncertain future because two new CalMac ferries ordered for the Arran route are too big to fit the existing facilities. Ministers announced earlier this year they hoped to buy the harbour from its owner Peel Ports so that the long-promised upgrade could finally progress. The Save Ardrossan Harbour campaign says it has now been told the talks have stalled and an early resolution looks unlikely. The Scottish government promised seven years ago that Ardrossan would remain the main gateway to Arran. Ministers pledged to help fund the multi-million pound upgrade required to accommodate the new CalMac ferries MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa. Government considers buying Ardrossan harbour Lifeline harbour plan in limbo, says ferries boss Since then costs have risen and the project has been left in limbo because of disagreements over how the bill should be split between the three partners; Peel Ports, North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish government. It has been estimated the redevelopment could now cost £80m. In February, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop revealed that money had been set aside to take the harbour into public ownership in an attempt to break the logjam. But an update meeting involving government-owned ferries and ports body CMAL - which is leading the negotiations - has left the campaigners frustrated. Christine Cowie, from Save Ardrossan Harbour, said previous assurances that things were "moving at pace" now appeared to be "totally wrong". "They seem to have reached a stalemate," she told BBC Scotland News. "There seems to be a gap between what the government is prepared to pay and what Peel Ports wants to accept." After the meeting, also attended by representatives from Transport Scotland and CalMac, the campaigners wrote a letter to Peel Ports managing director Lewis McIntyre criticising the "the ongoing delay in finalising the long-awaited deal". The letter says: "We understand from CMAL that an offer has now been made, and that they are currently awaiting a response from Peel Ports. "This delay is not just administrative - it is actively harming the interests of Ardrossan, the Isle of Arran, and North Ayrshire as a whole." Peel Ports responded by issuing a statement accusing public officials of failing to negotiate with sufficient urgency. A spokesperson said: "We've entered negotiations in good faith, working with pace and energy to a timetable we believed was achievable. "Unfortunately, that pace and energy hasn't been matched by those at the negotiating table. "We appreciate that the buyers have other ferry issues to contend with but reaching a swift conclusion will require them to give this negotiation a higher priority." Sources at Peel Ports said there had been no contact with CMAL for six weeks. Ardrossan has now been without a ferry service to Arran since January, when MV Glen Sannox entered service - sailing instead from Troon - and a smaller vessel which was capable of berthing at the harbour was redeployed. The campaigners say the town has suffered economically during this period, as many Arran residents often travel there for things like car repairs or dental appointments. Sailings are due to resume in a fortnight's time when the old Arran ferry MV Caledonian Isles returns after 17 months of repairs, but that might only provide short-term relief. Residents are worried that once the second of the ships, MV Glen Rosa, is delivered - currently expected next summer - it could lose its ferry connection once again. CMAL said it was limited in what it could say during commercial negotiations but insisted it was working hard to find a resolution. "CMAL are fully committed to maintaining a robust and resilient ferry service for the Isle of Arran, and no option is off the table," it said in a statement. "However, we must also ensure we deliver the best value for the public purse." Transport Scotland has been contacted for comment. Ms Howie said the Ardrossan campaigners left the meeting with a sense that the purchase of the harbour was far from guaranteed. "At no time did any of them say we are committed to Ardrossan harbour and we're doing our best," she said. "Quite honestly, we felt like we were just a nuisance being there." When the business case for replacements ferries was drawn up in 2014 it stated that "no port modification work will be required to accommodate these vessels initial deployment". But designs put forward by bidding shipyards to meet the ambitious specifications for the dual-fuel ships were heavier than either CMAL or CalMac expected. Computer simulations on the chosen design involving CalMac captains found it would be difficult to berth such large ships at Ardrossan harbour which requires an awkward "handbrake turn". Troon, about 15 miles further south, is capable of handling them but the crossing to Arran is longer, meaning only three daily sailings are scheduled instead of five. The harbour at Ardrossan also benefits from direct train connections while at Troon there is a 15-minute walk from the port to the station. The uncertainty over which port the new liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships will sail from has also left plans to install fast refuelling stations on hold. CMAL awarded a £4.5m contract to build the facilities to a Danish firm in 2020. The dual-fuel ships instead are currently refuelled with LNG directly from road tankers, a process that takes three times longer than filling up with diesel. Ardrossan Harbour campaigners hold protest on ferry route Government considers buying Ardrossan harbour Lifeline harbour plan in limbo, says ferries boss Were Scotland's new gas-powered ferries a bad choice?
The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Ferguson Marine: Why has ScotGov kept financing the firm?
It comes as it emerged that the Port Glasgow yard was not certain to get the money it needs to complete a lifeline island vessel at the centre of a "new farce" over soaring delays and costs. Ferguson Marine has struggled with the long-delayed and wildly over-budget construction of MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa, the first dual-fuel ferries built in the UK capable of running on liquefied natural gas. What is Ferguson Marine? Ferguson Marine is a historic shipyard located in Port Glasgow, on the River Clyde in Scotland. Founded in 1903, it has been a significant part of Scotland's shipbuilding heritage and is one of the last remaining shipyards in the country capable of building large vessels. Why is Ferguson Marine important to Scotland? It represents the legacy of Scottish shipbuilding and provides skilled employment in the Inverclyde area, which has suffered from deindustrialisation. It is seen by many as a national asset in terms of maritime capabilities. Its supporters say the nation needs a domestic shipbuilding base for building and maintaining vessels for ferries, defence, and offshore industries. Politically, it also stands as a symbol of the Scottish Government's ambition to maintain and revive industrial capacity, especially under public ownership. What is the current status of Ferguson Marine? The state-owned shipyard located in Port Glasgow, Scotland, is facing significant challenges. The shipyard has been working on two ferries, the Glen Sannox and the Glen Rosa, which have experienced extensive delays and cost overruns. Originally scheduled for completion in 2018 with a budget of £97 million, the costs are expected to rise to more than five times that figure. The Glen Sannox finally commenced service in January 2025, while the Glen Rosa's arrival has been put back for a further six months and will not see service until between April and June of next year at the earliest - while costs have risen by a further £35m. What are the main challenges facing Ferguson Marine? The primary issues relate to financial sustainability because the shipyard is said to lack confirmed contracts beyond the completion of the current ferries, raising concerns about its future viability. It has just lost a key contract to delivery seven loch-class ferries for Scotland to Poland. There are concerns about its operational efficiency as delays and cost overruns have highlighted issues in project management, And there has been concerns about leadership stability with a series of executive and managerial changes and past difficulties in recruiting a permanent chief executive. It has been by reputational issues with its most high profile problem - the much- delayed and over-budget delivery of two ferries - Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa - which were meant to be operational in the first half of 2018. Reports highlighted serious problems in project management, including design flaws, poor documentation, and quality control failures. CalMac (Image: PA) It led to the Scottish Government's nationalisation of Ferguson Marine to prevent its collapse. This move saved jobs but brought the yard's problems into the public sector. What are the broader implications for Scotland from these issues? It has damaged confidence in the Scottish Government's and the yard management's ability to manage large infrastructure projects. Delays to new ferries have exacerbated transport problems for islanders, affecting tourism, supplies, and daily life. It also raises questions about how and whether governments should intervene in failing industries — and how to do so effectively. Why does Ferguson Marine require support? As the last commercial shipyard on the Clyde, it is a significant employer in Port Glasgow, and its closure would adversely affect the local economy. It has strategic importance as it is the only remaining shipyard on the lower Clyde that builds commercial ships. The success or failure of Ferguson Marine may influence whether Scotland maintains a sovereign shipbuilding capability or becomes entirely reliant on private and international yards. It is considered by its advocates that maintaining domestic shipbuilding capabilities in Scotland is vital for national infrastructure and maritime needs. But investment is needed to modernise facilities and secure future contracts. GMB, the main union representing staff at the yard is instrumental in representing the interests of the workforce. It has been actively advocating for job security - to ensure that employees' jobs are protected amid the shipyard's financial uncertainties. It opposes plans for privatisation, arguing that public ownership is crucial for the yard's stability and future. And it has been calling for government investment. What is the future outlook for Ferguson Marine? The future of Ferguson Marine remains uncertain. While there are opportunities, such as potential contracts for further small ferry replacements and collaborations with larger shipyards, these are said to be contingent on securing the necessary investment and improving operational efficiency. The Scottish Government's commitment and the shipyard's ability to address its challenges are considered to be critical in determining its long-term viability . What steps are being considered to secure the shipyard's future? Ferguson Marine has been exploring collaborations with larger shipyards to enhance competitiveness for new contracts and has been proposing investments to upgrade shipyard infrastructure.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Kate Forbes is set to sack Ferguson Marine's chairman amid ferry fiasco
Eye-watering costs of boat drama have been revealed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KATE Forbes is set to sack Ferguson Marine's chairman, we can reveal. Government sources claim there is 'no chance' she'll extend Andrew Miller's stint at the scandal-hit ferry-building firm. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up 2 Ferry chairman Andrew Miller appeared before the Public Audit Committee Credit: PA The Deputy First Minister would make the decision in her other role as Economy Secretary. It comes after the taxpayer-owned shipyard pushed back the MV Glen Rosa's delivery by another nine months. Find out what's really going on Register now for our free weekly politics newsletter for an insightful and irreverent look at the (sometimes excruciating) world of Scottish Politics. Every Thursday our hotshot politics team goes behind the headlines to bring you a rundown of key events - plus insights and gossip from the corridors of power, including a 'Plonker' and 'Star' of the Week. Sign up now and make sure you don't miss a beat. The politicians would hate that. SIGN UP FOR FREE NOW Sister ship MV Glen Sannox entered service seven years late in January. And the pair's combined cost has rocketed to £460million. An insider said: 'The only person Kate Forbes can sack for this mess is Miller. "His three-year contract is up in November. There's no chance she'll renew it.' Mr Miller was appointed in 2022 — weeks after claims emerged that the contract for the ferries was 'rigged' in favour of the yard in Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire. Russell Findlay quickfire Q&A UK Election fallout & buying Liam Gallagher's mum a drink Last March he signed off on the sacking of ex-chief exec David Tydeman. In February he was slammed for telling a Holyrood committe that criticism of Ferguson was 'like raising a child and abusing it'. Asked about his future, a Scottish Government spokesman said: 'Ministers have not made a decision beyond the current contracted time-frame — and any suggestion otherwise is completely untrue.' It comes after the scandal-hit shipyard lost out to a Polish yard on a key contract in a possible 'death knell' for the yard. The small vessels replacement programme - a contract to build seven small new ferries for the CalMac network - was instead awarded to Remontowa. The Polish yard infamously missed out in 2014 when Nats ministers made the decision to give the contract for two ferries to Ferguson Marine, sparking a decade-long scandal. Insiders have warned for years Ferguson needed to win the contract in order to stay afloat long-term.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
John Swinney accused of overseeing 11-year ‘fiasco' amid fresh delay to one of two new ferries for islanders
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOHN Swinney has been accused of overseeing an 11-year 'fiasco' amid a fresh delay to one of two new ferries for islanders. The First Minister faced jeers as it emerged delivery of the MV Glen Rosa to CalMac had been put back nine months until next year. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up 3 Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay put pressure on the First Minister 3 Mr Swinney was accused of overseeing an 11-year 'fiasco' 3 Delivery of the MV Glen Rosa to CalMac had been put back nine months Credit: PA The saga will cost taxpayers an extra £35million. It brings the bill for the ship, and finally operational sister vessel the MV Glen Sannox, to £460million — almost five times the original price tag. Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay slammed the initial order placed with Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow in 2015 as 'corrupt'. He said: 'It was John Swinney who personally signed off what was a corrupt CalMac procurement process. "He has never accepted blame. "Nobody in the SNP ever has or does.' Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar slammed the huge sums spent repairing CalMac's ageing fleet while islanders waited for the new ferries to be built at the nationalised Renfrewshire yard. He said at First Minister's Questions: 'The SNP is addicted to wasting people's money. 'This is a fiasco, paid for by working Scots. 'John Swinney and the SNP can't be trusted with the public's money.' Aboard the the long delayed and over budget Glen Sannox ship as it finally sets sail The Glen Rosa is now due to be delivered between April and June next year. Mr Swinney admitted the delays and costs were 'unacceptable' but insisted: 'This government will invest in our ferry network. 'We will apply the stringent controls to public finances that have seen this government re- elected several times before. 'We are very focused on making sure that these vessels enter service so we can deliver sustainable ferry services.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Just over £250 million has been spent on work to the Calmac fleet, which comprises more than 30 vessels, over the last 10 years. "This does not just include repairs, but also work such as maintenance and upgrades. A third of the existing fleet is due to be replaced in the coming years. "Total costs to deliver the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa since public ownership are forecasted to be £418.25 million. This includes contingency costs of £12.5 million."
The National
15-05-2025
- Climate
- The National
CalMac ferry assists with emergency rescue near Irvine
The Coastguard was alerted to a seven-metre-long vessel "taking on water" shortly before 6pm on Wednesday, May 14. Five people were onboard with emergency crews were quickly sent to the scene, approximately a mile from Irvine harbour. Following a Mayday broadcast to vessels in the area by Belfast Coastguard, the Arran ferry, which was heading to Troon, had diverted to the area. ⚠️YELLOW #Troon #Brodick 14May Due to MV Glen Sannox assisting the coastguard with an emergency, the 18:35 arrival is Brodick may be delayed. — CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) May 14, 2025 The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked to provide assistance from the shore. The volunteer Troon RNLI team also promptly launched two lifeboats, both inshore and all-weather, to provide support with the operation. Both lifeboats were soon heading to the casualty vessel and were quickly alongside. After assessing the situation, four adults and one child, as well as their dog, were taken onboard the all-weather lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat established a tow with the casualty vessel. A tow was established to Irvine harbour where the casualty vessel was secured alongside, assisted by the Coastguard team. The inshore lifeboat then transferred all people from the all-weather lifeboat to the harbour and the waiting Coastguard team, with everyone taken ashore. Speaking following the callout, and his first as helm on the inshore lifeboat, Stephen Kerr from the Troon RNLI urged caution to those heading out on the water during the spell of good weather. He said: "With people making the most of the good weather along the Ayrshire coast, we would advise all boat users before setting out on your journey to please plan your route ahead using the relevant charts for the area. "Have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble, and have lifejackets for all on board. "If you are in difficulty, call the Coastguard on VHF channel 16 or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
