Ferguson Marine is seeking 70 voluntary redundancies as work winds down on the ferries contract.
Outfitting and commissioning phases of MV Glen Rosa are nearing completion ahead of delivery in the final quarter of the year.
The Port Glasgow yard says the programme will ensure the business remains competitive, efficient, and financially sustainable.
It is due to start work on four vessls diretly awarded in March by the Scottish Government. This comprises two ferries for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) under the Small Vessel Replacement Programme and a Marine Protection Vessel (MPV), a Marine Research Vessel (MRV).
Due diligence on this direct award is currently underway, with today’s proposed changes designed to address the size of the business and align skills across the yard.
Graeme Thomson, CEO of Ferguson Marine, said: “Our immediate focus remains the safe, high-quality handover of Glen Rosa in Q4 2026. However, as the vessel nears completion, we face an inevitable gap in workload while we work with the Scottish Government to make the relevant preparations to enable us to proceed with contract negotiations.
“Shipbuilding capability relies on continuity and while changes of this nature are difficult, taking proactive action now ensures we protect the long-term viability of the yard and remain lean, modern, and ready to cut steel on the new fleet as quickly as possible.
“We take our responsibility to our workforce and community incredibly seriously. By offering a voluntary redundancy path, we want to support team members who have given so much to shipbuilding on the Clyde as they consider their next steps.
“At the same time, we are doing everything in our power to ensure the yard is structured to offer secure, long-term careers once the new build programme gets underway.”
Ferguson Marine confirmed that the consultation process will have no impact on the remaining work or delivery schedule for MV Glen Rosa. A phased transition plan is in place to maintain strict quality and safety standards across all active projects.
Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “The voluntary redundancies scheme announced by Ferguson Marine today is part of efforts to modernise the shipyard and put it on a more competitive footing.
“The action that the leadership team at Ferguson Marine is taking today is necessary to help secure a viable future for the yard, and that of commercial shipbuilding on the Clyde. This is alongside their efforts to upskill workers, bid for new contracts and opportunities with partners.
“I am assured that a reduced workforce will not impact the build of the MV Glen Rosa, which is on track to be delivered in quarter four 2026.
“Our intention to directly award four vessels continues to undergo full due diligence further to next steps which will be announced to Parliament in due course.”
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