Scottish Government Rejects National Security Designation for Fisheries Ships Procurement
The Scottish government has declined to classify two planned fisheries ships as essential to national security, affecting their construction in the UK. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon noted that the vessels lack military capability and must comply with procurement laws. The ships, intended to replace the Minna and Scotia, will serve as a patrol vessel and a research ship, with procurement timelines likely starting in late 2025.
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The Scottish government has rejected a call to designate two planned fisheries ships as vital to national security, impacting their construction prospects in the UK. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon stated that the vessels lack military capability and do not meet competition law exemptions for defense.
The new ships will replace the Minna and Scotia, previously built by Ferguson shipyard. One will serve as a patrol vessel for fishing regulations, and the other will be a research ship. The order timeline remains unclear, with indications that procurement could start in late 2025.
Gougeon emphasized these ships are merchant-class and any contracts must adhere to procurement and subsidy control laws. The Ministry of Defence has faced scrutiny for allowing some vessels to be built overseas, while Ferguson, nationalized in 2019, has no new orders following a competitive setback against a Polish firm.
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