Current status: Answered by Kate Forbes on 18 September 2025
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on Scotland's economy, whether it will engage with the UK Government and Serco regarding the reported award of the Defence Maritime Service Next Generation Vessel Replacement Project to the Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards Group and ask for consideration to be given to the subcontracting of the work to shipyards in Scotland under social value requirements, similar to how the new Mersey Ferry contract was awarded to the Damen Group and then subcontracted to APCL Cammell Laird at Birkenhead.
Scottish Government engage regularly with the National Shipbuilding Office on matters including proposed procurement exercises, and we are aware that Damen have been awarded work to deliver tug vessels for the Royal Navy under a contract won by Serco. The delivery of these vessels is a matter for Serco, in partnership with Damen. In line with our national policy and legislation, the Scottish Government will continue to seek opportunities to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits in Scotland through our procurement activity.