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Shipyard announced to build new Harris / North Uist ferry

 

31 August 2015  

The new £48 million ferry for Harris and North Uist is to be built on the Clyde, it has been announced.

An official contract for Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow to design and build the vessel is set to be finalised by the end of September.

The yard will also construct an identical sister ship, earmarked for the Ardrossan - Arran route.

The Arran boat is planned to be completed by early 2018 with the Uig triangle ferry following later that year.

The contract will create new jobs at the shipyard and secure employment for the existing 150-strong workforce.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon “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."

She added: “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.”

Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “This is a significant investment that proves Scottish shipbuilding can succeed in a competitive market, with the FMEL team submitting the highest quality bid that offered best value for money.

"This announcement will strengthen our ferry fleet, ensuring they will be able to benefit the communities that need them for decades to come.”