Shipyard Ferguson Marine makes two appointments to board
Ferguson Marine has added two non-executive directors to its board.
The beleaguered shipyard in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde – which is owned by the Scottish Government – announced on Thursday Martin Booth and Duncan Anderson will join new chief executive Graeme Thomson at the yard.
Mr Booth was previously the executive director of finance at Glasgow City Council and the yard said he will bring his audit and risk expertise to the firm, which is responsible for the building of two vastly late and over-budget ferries for the Isle of Arran route, one of which has still not been completed.
Mr Anderson boasts a 40-year career in shipbuilding and has overseen the construction of more than 100 vessels, according to Ferguson Marine.
He said: “With the company’s strong heritage and potential growth in the future, I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained in shipbuilding to support the team in securing a sustainable future for Ferguson Marine and, in particular, showcasing its ability to deliver high-quality work.”
Mr Booth added: “The shipyard has a strong foundation and I can already see that a lot of improvements have been made to its governance practices.
“I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to contribute my oversight and guidance of financial strategies that will support Ferguson Marine’s long-term growth and success.”
Ferguson Marine chairman Andrew Miller said he is “delighted” to have both men on board, adding: “We are confident they will play a key role in helping Ferguson Marine realise its potential and help us successfully execute our new 10-year strategy, securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the yard.”
With the completion of the second ship for the Isle of Arran – the MV Glen Rosa – looming, the yard has turned its attentions to the future by pledging the creation of a 10-year strategy document, with the Scottish Government hoping it could eventually land back in the private sector.
But the board’s hopes took a blow when Transport Scotland announced the contract for seven new small vessels would be given to a Polish yard rather than the Port Glasgow firm.
