Navantia UK says the programme could support thousands of skilled jobs while creating opportunities across the UK maritime and manufacturing supply chain
Navantia UK has welcomed the UK Chancellor John Healey’s announcement of a multi-billion-pound investment in British shipbuilding, including plans for new floating docks to support submarine maintenance at HM Naval Base Clyde, with the programme to be built and delivered by UK shipyards.
Donato Martinez, Chief Executive of Navantia UK, said: “This is a vital project for sovereign defence capability and it is right and proper that it should be built in the UK. “Navantia UK will be making the case to lead the delivery of the floating docks programme from our shipyards in Methil, Fife, and Belfast. Supported by £157 million of investment across Navantia UK’s operations, both sites have undergone significant modernisation and are ready to support major defence programmes.
“We bring proven programme management, engineering and industrial capability, experience delivering similar floating dock infrastructure for the Spanish Navy, and the experience and backing of the wider Navantia Group. That gives us the expertise, capability and capacity required to deliver a project of this scale.
“As a long-term investor in British shipbuilding, we would work alongside partners from across the wider UK shipbuilding and maritime enterprise to deliver this nationally important capability. The programme has the potential to create opportunities throughout the UK supply chain and bring together expertise from across the sector to deliver a vital sovereign defence asset.
“Delivering the programme will support thousands of skilled jobs across the UK, drive investment in shipyards and supply chains, and demonstrate the defence dividend in action. This is an exciting time for British shipbuilding and we welcome the Government’s commitment to build at home.”
Since its acquisition of the four yards last year, Navantia UK’s workforce has increased by more than 25 per cent to 1,300. This month, 120 new apprentices joined the company taking the total to 340.
Methil and Belfast are currently supporting delivery of two vessels for export markets, demonstrating the growing capability and competitiveness the yards. The floating docks programme would help sustain a workforce of more than 2,000 people across the two sites, alongside creating opportunities throughout the wider UK maritime and manufacturing supply chain.
Navantia UK recently laid the keel on the first of three Fleet Solid Support ships being built for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Methil also completed construction of Seahorse, the barge supporting delivery of the programme.
Richard Baker, the Labour MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, said: “It is great news that the UK Government has announced the vital work to construct new dry docks for Faslane will be awarded to a UK firm – as it should be.
“The obvious location for the programme to be delivered is Methil, with its skilled workers and apprentices and where the yard’s owners Navantia have invested heavily to upgrade the facilities. I will be working closely with Navantia UK and the unions at the yard to bring this work to Methil, which could be transformative for the future of the yard and the local community.”
