Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow start work on Royal Navy's HMS Belfast

Fabrication work for three steel units to be built for HMS Belfast has begun at Ferguson Marine in what has been billed as a 'new dawn' for the yard.

Management say this is the beginning of a fresh start for the yard, which has been mired in controversy for years over the CalMac dual fuel ferries fiasco.

David Tydeman, chief executive of Ferguson Marine, said: “Today heralds a new era for commercial shipbuilding at Port Glasgow, one we have painstakingly planned and prepared for.

"It demonstrates the ability of our skilled workforce to secure complex new contracts in a commercial environment.

Steel fabrication work has started at Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow on three units for Type 26 frigate HMS Belfast (Image: Submitted)

"And this is just the beginning. We plan to grow our expertise and capabilities to win additional commercial contracts and adjacent markets."

Last week, Scotland's auditor general claimed it would be 'folly' to assume the two delayed and over-budget CalMac ferries currently being built at the Port yard will not exceed their current estimated cost of £293 million.

READ MORE: Ferguson ferries bill set to rise yet again warns auditor general

The ferries farce has seen spiralling costs for the building of the Glen Sannox and Hull 802, with the former vessel anticipated to be ready by the end of 2023 and the latter due to be completed by the end of next year.

But bosses are now highlighting progress made on other fronts.

The modules now being built at the site for HMS Belfast will be transported to BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard ready for assembly once ready later this year.

The advanced warship is the third Type 26 frigate in a series of eight that BAE Systems is building for the Ministry of Defence.

BAE Systems plans to recruit a further 400 tradespeople and 200 apprentices for the programme in 2023, with 29 new apprentices for Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow.

READ MORE: First Minister rails against bonuses branded 'unacceptable' for Ferguson bosses

Mr Tydeman added: “From a skills perspective, the yard is continuing to invest in apprenticeships, so it’s encouraging to be able to demonstrate to our current intake that we can win this type of work.

"As a member of the Executive Committee for the National Shipbuilding Strategy, encouraging young people to consider shipbuilding as a career is an ambition very close to my heart.”

David Shepherd, programme director of BAE Systems, said: “The Type 26 programme is a truly UK-wide endeavour with more than 120 UK suppliers already contracted and providing a range of skills, technologies and equipment that combined will make the Type 26 a truly world-class maritime capability.

"We look forward to working alongside the team at Ferguson Marine as we progress the steel work for HMS Belfast.”