Nationalised Ferguson shipyard appoints new boss

The nationalised Ferguson Marine shipyard has appointed a new permanent chief executive.

Graeme Thomson will take over as boss of the Port Glasgow firm after the departure of the interim CEO John Petticrew and the sacking of his predecessor a year ago.

Mr Thomson has most recently worked as programme director for Babcock at Rosyth in Fife where he oversaw delivery of the Type 31 frigate programme for the Royal Navy.

The appointment was confirmed just days after the shipyard missed out on a crucial order for a fleet of small CalMac ferries.

Mr Thomson said he was "excited and enthused" to be taking up the new role which starts on 1 May.

He said: "The business, and its people, have faced challenging times but as we look forward, we must focus on delivering key contracts that demonstrate our capability to exceed expectations and build world class ships on the Clyde.

"This, and our commitment to build a better culture based on accountability and robust governance, will enable us to put past issues behind us, restore the reputation of Ferguson Marine and realise its potential as a leader in global shipbuilding."

The shipyard is still working to complete MV Glen Rosa, the second of two dual-fuel CalMac ferries which have caused the yard many problems since the contract was awarded 10 years ago.

The ship is currently due for delivery in September, but resources were diverted last year in order to bring its sister ship Glen Sannox into service, and a further delay is widely expected.

The yard has no other confirmed ship orders, but sub-contracting work from BAE Systems on units for the Navy's new Type 26 frigates is expected to start next month, according to Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.

The yard is also pursuing new private sector orders.

Mr Thomson has worked in shipbuilding, construction, defence and the nuclear engineering services sector for more than 20 years.

Prior to joining Babcock, he worked at Lecor, Seaspan Shipyards and BAE Systems.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes welcomed his appointment and said the government remained committed to securing the yard's future.

She said: "Mr Thomson brings over 20 years of international leadership experience in shipbuilding, energy and defence sectors.

"That expertise will be key as he leads the work to deliver the board's new commercial strategy, secure the yard's long-term future and ensure the Glen Rosa is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible."

Ferguson Marine chairman Andrew Miller said: "Graeme is a trusted and experienced leader with a sharp and intelligent business focus.

"He brings to the role a diverse background of experiences and an excellent track record for delivery in the shipbuilding and construction industry."

Ferguson's has been without a permanent chief executive since March last year when the firm's board of directors unexpectedly sacked David Tydeman.

Mr Tydeman had won praise for overseeing substantial progress on Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa after years of design challenges and disputes over costs.

But the bill for the ships also rose substantially and more deadlines were missed as complications arose.

Following his departure, board member John Petticrew took on the role on an interim basis, initially for six months but this was later extended.

During his time in charge, the slipway launch of Glen Rosa took place and Glen Sannox was finally delivered to owners CMAL before entering service on CalMac's Arran route in January.

Mr Petticrew had been expected to remain in post until a permanent replacement was announced, but a week ago Ferguson's said he had resigned early for "personal reasons" and was returning to his family in Canada.