Manufacturing is now underway at Ferguson Marine on the first of three units to be built for HMS Belfast, the third City Class Type 26 frigate currently being constructed by BAE Systems.
This phase of work involves fabricating three steel units. When ready later this year, the modules will be transported to BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard ready for assembly as part of HMS Belfast, part of a series of eight warships being built for the Ministry of Defence.
David Tydeman, chief executive of Ferguson Marine said: “Today heralds a new era for commercial shipbuilding at Port Glasgow, one we have painstakingly planned and prepared for.
“It demonstrates the ability of our skilled workforce to secure complex new contracts in a commercial environment.
“We plan to grow our expertise and capabilities to win additional commercial contracts and adjacent markets.
“From a skills perspective, the yard is continuing to invest in apprenticeships, so it’s encouraging to be able to demonstrate to our current intake that we can win this type of work.”
David Shepherd, programme director of BAE Systems, added: “The Type 26 programme is a truly UK wide endeavour with more than 120 UK suppliers already contracted and providing a range of skills, technologies and equipment that combined will make the Type 26 a truly world-class maritime capability.”
All eight Type 26 vessels will be built on the Clyde, sustaining around 1,700 jobs in Scotland and 4,000 jobs in total across the wider UK maritime supply chain.
BAE Systems plans to recruit a further 400 trades people and 200 apprentices for the programme in 2023.
Work on the first four Type 26 ships is well underway at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard.
The vessel is designed for anti-submarine warfare, but can adapt its role to transport high volumes of humanitarian aid or house medical facilities.
BAE Systems is investing approximately £15m in a new Applied Shipbuilding Academy in Glasgow to support the development of the entire workforce, from apprentices through to senior leaders.
In addition, construction has begun on a modern shipbuilding hall, worth more than £100m, which should enhance productivity on the Clyde to support the delivery of these eight ships and future orders.
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