Scottish ministers have named the Ferguson shipyard as the preferred bidder for a £97 million contract for the biggest new ferries on the Clyde since 2001, in a deal that could secure more than 150 jobs.
Ferguson which was taken over by Clyde Blowers billionaire and former Scottish independence supporter Jim McColl last year has been named as the preferred tenderer for the contract to build the vessels for the publicly-run Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service.
The SNP said the contract is “just reward” for the investment Mr McColl has made in Ferguson in the last year and should act as a springboard for further contracts.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited and CalMac Ferries, both wholly owned by the Scottish Government, have overseen the design and tendering of the two large dual-fuel ferries.
The contract will see two 100m ferries which can accommodate 127 cars or 16 HGVs, or a combination of both, and up to 1,000 passengers built at Port Glasgow,
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is an excellent result for Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited (FMEL) and I am delighted to name them as preferred tenderer for the contract to build two new ferries.
“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.”