Nationalised Scottish Shipyard Ferguson Marine Appoints New Boss

26th March 2025

Jehan Ashmore

Change of shipyard boss, as Graeme Thomson will take over as the new chief executive of Ferguson Marine shipyard on 1 May. According to Yard, his main priority will be to oversee the delivery of CalMac ferry MV Glen Rosa for the Arran on the Clyde service and secure a sustainable and long-term future for the yard. Above, local students from the Inverclyde area recently tour a talk onboard the newbuild with some of the yard’s current apprentices. Credit: Ferguson Marine -Linkedin

The Scottish Government-owned Ferguson Marine shipyard at Port Glasgow, according to BBC News, has appointed a new permanent chief executive.

Graeme Thomson will take over as boss of the shipbuilder nationalised in 2019 after the departure of the firm’s interim CEO, John Petticrew, and the sacking of his predecessor a year ago.

Mr. Thomson has most recently worked as program director for Babcock at Rosyth in Fife, on the east coast, where he oversaw delivery of the Type 31 frigate programme for the UK’s Royal Navy. Babcock, Afloat highlights also built the P60 class for the Irish Naval Service, albeit at their Appledore shipyard in England, which Harland & Wolff acquired in 2020.

Confirmation of Mr Thomson's appointment comes just days after the southwest of Scotland shipyard missed out on a crucial order for a fleet of small ferries for Caledonian MacBrayne. The operator, otherwise known as CalMac, is also owned by the Scottish Government.

More from BBC News on the shipyard that has become synonymous with the considerably delayed newbuilds for CalMac due for delivery in 2018, firstly with Glen Sannox, which finally entered Arran-Clyde service in January.

While its duel-fuel powered twin, Glen Rosa, has yet to be completed.

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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