The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Shipyard boss sacked as more delays and costs announced for ferries
The chief executive of Ferguson Marine, where the two delayed and overbudget Calmac ferries are being built, has been sacked after telling ministers further delays are “likely”.
David Tydeman’s contract was terminated by the state-owned company’s board.
John Petticrew – a nonexecutive director – has been appointed as interim chief executive.
Mr Tydeman had recently highlighted progress on the Glen Sannox, praising its performance in sea trials earlier this year.
But it emerged last month that costs for the Glen Sannox will rise to between £145.5 million and £149.1m.
Mr Tydeman had previously indicated the ferry would be handed over in late May, but it seems this deadline can no longer be met.
Under the latest estimates, the work to build the two ferries will be around triple the first price of £97m and they will be six years late.
Responding to news of Mr Tydeman’s sacking, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Mairi Mcallan said it is a matter for the board.
She added: “I am focused on the Scottish Government’s priorities of completing the two ferries, ensuring FMPG (Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow) drives down on costs, and securing a sustainable future for the yard and its skilled workforce.
“While the yard had previously stated that the delivery date for Glen Sannox was planned for late May, we are aware that, in the last week, the outgoing CEO intimated further delay was likely.
“That is unacceptable. I know the board are intent on doing everything they can to ensure that delay does not happen.
“I will be stressing to the new interim CEO and the board the importance of the ferries entering service as soon as possible.”
At Holyrood yesterday, Inverclyde SNP MSP Stuart Mcmillan sought to table an urgent question on the situation by forcing a vote to discount the deadline for such a question to be submitted to Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.
The subsequent vote was defeated by 49 votes to 55, halting any chance of the question being answered by the government.
It is not yet clear how votes were cast, but Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson told the chamber he voted no, suggesting the Scottish Government blocked the question.
Scottish Conservative shadow transport spokesman Graham Simpson said: “It’s shocking that Glen Sannox is facing yet another delay.
“Mairi Mcallan must come to Parliament to explain the extent of the latest delays and cost implications for the taxpayer.
“SNP ministers can’t pass the buck. It’s their responsibility for these two vessels being six years late and hugely over budget.”