Businessman Jim McColl demands inquiry into 'catastrophic' £300 million Ferguson ferries fiasco

In a hard-hitting interview with the Greenock Telegraph the now-nationalised shipyard's former owner slammed vessel procurement quango CMAL as 'incompetent' and branded the Scottish Government 'inane'.

Mr McColl hit out after it emerged that an essential component for one of the five-years-late ships is yet to be fitted — despite it being deemed vital in 2018.

Hull 802 needs a 'ducktail' fitted in order to achieve a necessary 16.5 knot speed on its intended Uig triangle route.

But two-and-a-half years after 'turnaround director' Tim Hair was appointed by ministers on a near £800k salary the work has not even been started.

Engineering tycoon Mr McColl said: "This is one example of the many consequences of the inadequate conceptual design by CMAL [Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd] at the invitation-to-tender stage of the contract.

"Many fundamental design issues were not addressed or resolved by CMAL at award of the contract and had to be resolved thereafter.

"It was a surprise to read that no decision had yet been made over its [the ducktail's] installation, given that the design of it was agreed and completed almost four years ago."

In his final update to Holyrood's Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Mr Hair — who leaves Ferguson Marine this month having billed taxpayers to the tune of £2m for his tenure — warned that 'discussions' about the ducktail 'have the potential to impact the schedule for delivery of the vessel'.

Mr McColl told the Telegraph: "Three sets of highly qualified experts, including the government's own appointed expert, Commodore Luke van Beek, along with the highly competent and experienced senior management team at Ferguson Marine, highlighted the serious shortcomings at CMAL just short of five years ago.

"These findings, evidence and advice were presented directly to the First Minister.

"Many other learned individuals and industry experts, including senior advisors on the government's ferry advisory group, have made representations to the Scottish Government, all of which has been in vain.

"Despite the overwhelming evidence, the Scottish Government continues to shield its hugely dysfunctional quango CMAL and defend their own inaction through meaningless propaganda soundbites."

The former rural economy and connectivity committee (RECC) at Holyrood concluded that there had been a 'catastrophic failure' in managing of the procurement of Hull 802 and sister ship Glen Sannox.

Leading global risk management consultancy, HKA, who were hired by Mr McColl's Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd, were damning in the their assessment of CMAL's role — stating: 'The conceptual design was inadequate.

'Many fundamental design issues were not addressed or resolved by CMAL at award of the contract and had to be resolved thereafter.

'CMAL interfered in the design process, it involved itself in design matters in which it had no right to do so, it required alternative designs to be investigated, in particular the propellers, and delayed decisions and approvals.'

Mr McColl said: "What has been the government's reaction? More inane propaganda soundbites, allowing CMAL to specify the next two ferries for CalMac — a huge mistake.

"They have appointed Eric Ostergaard as the next chairman of CalMac, the man who was responsible, as chairman of CMAL, for the 'catastrophic failure' in the management of the procurement of vessels 801 and 802 by CMAL."

Mr McColl added: "What is even more disheartening is the is the incapability of the Scottish Parliament, including its committee structures, to hold these incompetents to account.

"The ferry fiasco that has been created by the government and CMAL needs to be fixed urgently.

"The situation has been exacerbated by the nationalisation of Ferguson.

"An independent expert review as part of a judge-led inquiry is the only practical way to properly and honestly follow up on the call from the rural economy and connectivity committee for an 'urgently needed root and branch review of the decision-making structures'."

A spokesperson for CMAL said: "We are satisfied that the vessels meet the required specification, and are continuing to work closely with Transport Scotland, Scottish Government and Fergusons to manage the delivery of the two vessels.

"There was a parliamentary inquiry into the dual fuel vessels contract, and the report was critical of all parties involved. We've taken learnings from the report, and focus is now firmly on our ongoing work to renew and transform the ferry fleet and harbour network with a £580 million commitment from Scottish Government over five years to 2026."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "Ferguson Marine's priority is to complete the two ferries that are currently under construction and continue the work to ensure that it is in shape to compete successfully for contracts, both domestically and further afield, in future.

"The Scottish Government stands firm on its commitment to the workforce, the Ferguson yard and the completion of the two vessels."

Ferguson Marine said in a statement: "This [ducktail] is noted in the update to parliament as a potential — not a confirmed — risk to the delivery schedule.

"Discussions with Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and CMAL regarding the ducktail are ongoing.

"Any actual impact on the delivery schedule will be shared with the parliament committee."