Scotland’s Transport Secretary has confirmed that the government is in negotiations with Peel Ports Group to acquire Ardrossan Harbour.

Finance has been made available in the Scottish budget and Fiona Hyslop updated MSPs in Parliament.

“I have instructed Transport Scotland and CMAL to progress discussions about the potential purchase of Ardrossan Harbour by The Scottish Government,” she said.

The harbour faces an uncertain future because two new ferries that will operate CalMac Ferries Limited’s Arran route are too big to fit. MV Glen Sannox, which enters service this week, is sailing from Troon.

Ardrossan will then be left with no scheduled CalMac sailings until the old Arran vessel, MV Caledonian Isles, returns from repairs in March.

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The UK’s Type 83 destroyer programme, part of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS), is expected to provide significant contributions to the nation’s shipbuilding sector and broader economy, according to responses from Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, in Parliament on 11 February 2025.

The FADS programme will replace the UK’s current Maritime Air Defence Capability provided by the Type 45 destroyers and is currently in its concept phase. Highlighting the government’s strategic vision, Eagle stated in response to a question from Luke Akehurst (Labour MP for North Durham), “This Government is committed to delivering a thriving shipbuilding sector across the UK, supporting the whole supply chain, from design to repair, systems, and integration.”

When asked whether the Type 83 destroyers’ design, manufacturing, and support would be carried out by UK companies, Eagle emphasised that “it is not yet possible to confirm where these ships will be built as it is subject to due commercial process.” However, she confirmed that the programme would secure jobs in shipbuilding until “at least the mid-2040s, depending on the number of platforms built.”

Eagle also underscored that the programme will carefully consider the role of UK businesses and communities in its development. “Analysis of supply chain involvement and social value will be conducted during this phase. Social value and sovereign considerations will inform any subsequent investment,” she said, suggesting that the government is keen on maximising both economic and national security benefits.

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A rescue deal for the Belfast-based shipbuilder, could be announced as early as tomorrow (Thursday 19th Dec 2024), is expected to include job guarantees for its workforce of more than 1,000 people.

Sky News has learnt that ministers hope to announce that H&W and its four UK shipyards are being acquired by Navantia, S.A., S.M.E, the Spanish shipbuilder, after months of negotiations.

Navantia’s board is expected to meet to ratify the deal in the next couple of days.

Whitehall sources cautioned that an agreement could still slip but said it would be formally unveiled before Christmas.

Under the deal, Navantia will take over all of H&W’s sites, following its parent company’s collapse into administration during the autumn.

The Spanish group is expected to pay about £70m for H&W’s assets, while also benefiting from improved terms on a government contract to build three Fleet Solid Support vessels for the Royal Navy.

In return, it is understood to have agreed to provide guarantees that it will retain H&W’s existing workforce for a specific period, the length of which was unclear on Tuesday.

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