POLITICIANS from across Inverclyde have thanked Ferguson Marine’s sacked CEO for his work and called for a renewed focus on the troubled shipyard's future.

Ferguson Marine announced yesterday that it had terminated the contract of chief executive David Tydeman and appointed John Petticrew as interim CEO.

Inverclyde’s MP Ronnie Cowan, Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan and regional MSPs Jamie Greene and Neil Bibby were among the prominent local figures who have spoken out about the news of his departure.

Mr Cowan praised the openness he had seen from Mr Tydeman in the course of their dealings and urged everyone involved with the yard to make its success and stability their number one priority going forward.

Greenock Telegraph: Ronnie Cowan

The SNP politician said: "David has always been open to scrutiny and has answered every question I have put to him over his time in charge with patience and courtesy.

"The board has now decided it is time for change.

"I hope that going forward, the board, the management team, the trade unions and the workforce can work together to complete the work on its books and ensure that the yard is in a position to be competitive.

"The security and success of Ferguson's must be at the forefront of the minds of all those involved."

The two CalMac vessels currently being constructed at the Port Glasgow shipyard are nearly four times over their initial contract cost and will be six years late when delivered.

Mr Cowan’s SNP colleague, area MSP Stuart McMillan, added that it was ‘vital’ that the yard secured a permanent replacement for Mr Tydeman.

Greenock Telegraph: Stuart McMillan MSP

 

He said: “I want to thank David for the work he’s undertaken at Ferguson’s and I wish him well for the future.

“David has made welcome progress at the yard but clearly, this has stagnated.

“The board now have an interim Chief Executive and I wish him well, but it’s vital that they find a new permanent replacement who is focused on getting these two ferries over the line and taking the yard forward into the future on a strong, positive footing.”

Conservative MSP Jamie Greene said the appointment of Mr Petticrew – an experience shipbuilder – would be a boost for the yard.

Greenock Telegraph: Jamie Greene MSP

He added: “It is no secret that Ferguson Marine has experienced tough times, but with the completion of the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa now on the horizon it is right that the yard focuses on the need to secure new work for the yard and its employees.

“The appointment of an experienced shipbuilder to the role of CEO will give confidence to potential investors that the yard has a serious and successful commercial future ahead of it.

“The yard now needs a sense of stability restored to it as it completes its current projects and moves to attract new work.

“The yard remains a proud asset to Greenock and Inverclyde, and I look forward to seeing it forge ahead into the future under its new restructured leadership.”

Labour MSP Neil Bibby expressed his thanks to Mr Tydeman for his efforts, before urging the Scottish Government to invest more money in the yard’s facilities.  

Greenock Telegraph: Neil Bibby MSP

He said: “Workers and islanders have been let down by a succession of ministers who are ultimately responsible for the ferries fiasco.

“The change that the yard needs is stability and investment.

“To secure a positive future for the yard there must be investment by the Scottish Government in facilities to help improve efficiencies at the yard and win a future pipeline of work.

“That was the case before this announcement and it is even more important now.”