![\"Ferguson-Marine-aerial-view\"](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Ferguson-Marine-aerial-view.png\")
Scotland\u2019s state-owned shipyard Ferguson Marine says it has been blocked from bidding for the next large CalMac ferry because of procurement rules.<\/p>\n
The Port Glasgow yard said eligibility criteria set by ferries procurement agency, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) effectively excluded UK shipbuilders.<\/p>\n
It means Ferguson Marine will be unable to bid for a replacement for MV Lord of the Isles.<\/p>\n
The GMB union said it \u201cbeggars belief\u201d and called on the board of CMAL \u2013 which is owned by Scottish ministers \u2013 to pause and review the tendering process.<\/p>\n
CMAL said it had chosen a selection system which it believed would ensure the best outcome for island communities.<\/p>\n
Shipyards must complete a number of qualifying stages before being invited to tender detailed bids for evaluation.<\/p>\n
Ferguson Marine has been late in delivering two over-budget ferries for the islands. It delivered MV Glen Sannox in November 2024 but a second large CalMac ferry MV Glen Rosa is not due for delivery until the end of this year.<\/p>\n
Chief executive Graeme Thomson said: \u201cA rigorous review of the tender prequalification criteria indicates that, in our view, it is unlikely that any UK shipbuilder would meet the stipulated minimum qualification requirements.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe original vessel was built here at Ferguson\u2019s and has served the CalMac fleet for 36 years, a testament to the enduring quality of Scottish craftsmanship.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, without a procurement model that scores UK social and economic value and builds domestic supply chain resilience, which is in line with government nationwide guidance, UK shipyards remain at a disadvantage against heavily subsidised foreign competitors.\u201d<\/p>\n
GMB Scotland general secretary Louise Gilmour said: \u201cIt beggars belief that a Scottish public body would bar a publicly-owned Scottish shipyard from even bidding to build a Scottish ferry.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cThere could not be a clearer example of the self-harming procurement policies that have sabotaged our country\u2019s industrial capability and economic growth for too long.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere can be no other country in the world as happy to send contracts abroad instead of using them to support jobs, apprenticeship and communities at home.<\/p>\n
\u201cTaxpayers deserve value for money but the bottom line of any bid means nothing if the social and economic value to our communities is not properly taken into account.\u201d<\/p>\n
CMAL defended the wording of the questionnaire, and is understood to have turned down a request to modify it.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson said: \u201cThe questions in the SPDS (Single Procurement Document Scotland) have been designed to ensure the best outcome for island communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
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