A CALMAC contract to build seven new small electric ferries is set to be awarded to Polish firm Remontowa Shipbuilding.
The £175 million programme – which was seeking to build vessels to Scotland’s less-populated islands – saw a number of firms bid, including the troubled Scottish firm Ferguson Marine – which has been at the centre of an ongoing political storm since its nationalisation in 2019.
But CalMac has now announced that it intends to award the contract to the Gdansk-based company instead.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar hit out at the decision, saying it is a "huge blow to Scottish shipbuilding".
"Once again, jobs and investment going abroad on the SNP's watch," he added.
The programme is looking to improve the resilience of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network, with delivery of the first vessel expected in 2027.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I welcome this milestone being reached in the procurement to build and deliver seven new small vessels to our ferry network.
“These seven new vessels will help improve connectivity and resilience for island residents, businesses and communities, and their electric operation will contribute to reduced carbon emissions from Scotland’s ferry fleet and make ferry travel more sustainable.
“I appreciate all the work that has gone into getting us to this important stage of the procurement process, particularly by CMAL, and am hopeful that we can look forward to contracts being signed at the end of the required standstill period.”
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL, said: “It is our responsibility to follow the Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland and appoint a yard capable of producing quality vessels which meet the needs of islanders, but that also deliver the best value for the public purse.
“We are confident in Remontowa’s ability, and have worked with them before, most recently with the delivery of the MV Finlaggan in 2011. We will now enter a 10-day standstill period before finalising the contract.”
