The Scottish government said Glen Rosa’s move to Inchgreen was a “welcome next step” in delivering the vessel to island communities.
A spokesperson added: “The Scottish government is working at pace to progress the necessary due diligence, legal, commercial and subsidy control assessments required to support the proposals to directly award four new vessel contracts to Ferguson Marine.
“We are working closely and constructively with Ferguson Marine while we undertake this work.
“The upcoming period of work to modernise the yard while the Glen Rosa is off site has no impact on the timelines for this. We will keep Parliament updated on progress.”
Ferguson Marine currently employs 285 staff, including 34 apprentices.
The firm, which was established in 1903, is the last commercial shipbuilder on the River Clyde and the only one on the lower stretches of the river, with the two BAE yards in Glasgow focused on naval shipbuilding.