http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/greenock/articles/2015/08/31/543190-fergusons-lands-massive-97m-ferry-contract/Ferguson's lands massive £97m ferry contract
FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon is at Ferguson's this morning - to announce that the shipyard has won a crucial £97m ferry order.
The yard has been confirmed as 'preferred tenderer' to build two new CalMac ferries.
The contract will allow Ferguson's to take on more workers - and secure the jobs of the 150 staff already there.
The ferries will be the largest commercial vessels to be built on the Clyde since 2001.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is an excellent result for Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited and I am delighted to name them as preferred tenderer for the contract to build two new ferries, the largest commercial vessels to be built on the Clyde since 2001.
"Today’s announcement proves that Scottish shipbuilding can succeed in a competitive market, with the FMEL team submitting the highest quality bid that offered best value for money.
“This contract will see the 150-strong workforce retained and more staff taken on at the shipyard, underlining our commitment to creating the vital jobs needed to boost local economies and help stimulate growth across Scotland.
"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting ferry users around Scotland by providing safe and reliable services, and this is the latest step to ensuring we have a fleet that continues to deliver for the communities that depend on it.”
Ferguson's bosses are delighted that they are Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited's prefered option to build two large dual fuel ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service.
The contract, once finally negotiated and entered into, will provide a boost for commercial shipbuilding on the Clyde and follows the shipyard’s successful build of the world’s first two sea-going passenger and vehicle roll-on roll-off ferries to incorporate a low-carbon hybrid system of diesel electric and battery power.
The third hybrid ferry is scheduled to launch in December 2015.
Ferguson's will construct two 100-metre ferries which will be able to accommodate 127 cars or 16 HGVs or a combination of both and up to 1,000 passengers.
The ships will be able to service a wide range of ports and routes without significant redevelopment over their expected 30 year plus lifespan.
It is anticipated that the first vessel will enter service early in 2018, with the second following a few months later.
It is likely that the first ship will initially serve on the Ardrossan to Arran route, using the new port facilities being built at Brodick. The second vessel is destined for the Uig Triangle.
Tom Docherty, chief executive at CMAL, said: “This project provides a fantastic commercial opportunity for Scottish shipbuilding and we are delighted to announce FMEL as the preferred tenderer for this contract. We have worked closely with colleagues at CalMac Ferries Ltd to ensure that the design of these ferries follows their requirements that are based on future demand both on the initially identified routes and across the network, as well as their desire for an LNG powered ferry, which helps to future proof the vessel.
“CMAL is committed to leading the way in innovative and greener ferry design and this dual fuel ferry is further proof of that. When fully operating on LNG, these ferries will greatly contribute to Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets.
“Subject to agreement on all final contractual elements with FMEL, we hope to be in a position to finalise the award of the contract in September.”
