Ferguson Marine Appoints Duncan Anderson Permanent Chair
Ferguson Marine has named shipbuilding veteran Duncan Anderson as permanent Chair of its Board, marking a key leadership shift at the state-owned Port Glasgow shipyard. The announcement follows his stint as interim Chair and aims to strengthen governance and delivery performance at the historic Clyde yard.
The appointment aligns with broader efforts to modernize the business and support its strategic goals, including enhanced operational delivery and securing new contracts.
Seasoned Shipbuilding Leader Takes the Helm
Duncan Anderson is a Chartered Marine Engineer with more than four decades in ship operations and construction. He joined Ferguson Marine as a Non-Executive Director in March 2025 and has served in interim leadership since late 2025.
His career spans deep-sea trading vessels, ro-ro ferries, and offshore support units in shipyards across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Anderson also led Gulf Marine Services in Abu Dhabi as CEO, growing the business substantially and overseeing a public listing.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes highlighted his technical background and practical understanding of shipbuilding as key to steering Ferguson Marine through its current challenges.
Leadership Shift Signals Strategic Intent
Anderson takes over from Andrew Miller, whose three-year term as Chair concluded in late 2025. Miller’s tenure included governance improvements, board strengthening and support for key projects, including defence-linked work.
Graeme Thomson, Ferguson Marine’s CEO, said Anderson’s leadership will reinforce efforts to modernize operations and improve delivery outcomes, while positioning the shipyard for future work.
In his first statement as permanent Chair, Anderson stressed the need to transform the yard into a more competitive, efficient and sustainable business. He added that establishing a clear strategic direction and winning new contracts are top priorities.
Context: Shipyard Performance and Industry Landscape
Ferguson Marine, founded in 1903 and owned by the Scottish Government, is the last remaining commercial shipbuilder on the lower Clyde.
The yard has been under scrutiny in recent years, facing delivery delays and cost challenges on major ferry projects, and ongoing efforts to secure a sustainable future by winning new contracts and strengthening internal systems. (See also related coverage on operational challenges and contract bids at Ferguson Marine.)
What This Means for the Yard’s Future
Appointing a permanent Chair with deep industry experience may help restore confidence among stakeholders and improve Ferguson Marine’s performance trajectory. While challenges remain, leadership stability is a step toward aligning board oversight with strategic delivery objectives.
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