The yard, saved from closure last year by engineering tycoon Jim McColl, has tendered to construct 100-metre passengerships for domestic owner CalMac, the Daily Record reported.

The yard has already won a £12m ($19.5m) hybrid ferry contract from CalMac last year, which has boosted the workforce to 120.

McColl revealed that number could rise to as much as 400 should Ferguson win orders for two further ferries.

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