Belfast boosts FSS programme

Image courtesy Navantia UK

For Commodore Shattock, whose command will operate the new vessels, the visit was a chance to see his ships taking shape and meet the team delivering the programme. Test blocks are now being built in Belfast, with bow sections under construction at Appledore in Devon and further blocks at Navantia’s shipyards in Spain.

For Rear Admiral Stratton, the visit was an opportunity to see the investment and enhanced capability at Harland & Wolff following Navantia UK’s acquisition of the site and how the modernised yard can support future Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary requirements.

Navantia UK’s investment in the Belfast shipyard has now surpassed £98.5 million, significantly exceeding the £77 million originally committed under pre-acquisition recapitalisation plans for the FSS programme. Across Belfast and Appledore, Navantia UK has now committed a combined £114.4 million to the programme, with planned investment across all four UK shipyards rising to £157 million.

During the visit, the delegation toured the upgraded fabrication hall and saw the mechanised panel lines, robotic plasma cutting systems and automated quality control processes being installed. Once fully operational in July, the new equipment will make Harland & Wolff one of the most advanced shipyards in Europe, in line with Navantia’s Shipyard 5.0 concept, which uses robotics and AI to deliver the most modern shipbuilding possible.

The delegation was also briefed on the knowledge transfer underway between the wider Navantia group and its UK operations, drawing on Navantia’s global experience in warship design and shipbuilding to support the FSS programme and the UK’s wider naval capability.

The visitors also met members of the team delivering the FSS vessels and apprentices on site. Navantia UK currently employs 222 apprentices, with a further 90 being recruited to start in August and September, reflecting Navantia UK’s continued investment in the skills, jobs and supply chains that will sustain UK shipbuilding and support the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

Donato Martínez, CEO of Navantia UK, said: “It was a pleasure to host Commodore Shattock and Rear Admiral Stratton in Belfast today. They saw the work going on across the shipyard to build the FSS vessels, met the people delivering the programme, and saw how our investment is translating into capability for the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. With more than £98 million now invested at Harland & Wolff, we are building both the ships and the industrial base behind them. That is what our customer needs, and it is what we are focused on delivering.”

Director for Navy Acquisition, Rear Admiral Matthew Stratton, said: “Today’s visit has highlighted the strength of the UK’s industrial base and the value of continued investment in skills, facilities, small businesses and people. Harland & Wolff’s workforce, particularly its apprentices, demonstrates how industry and Defence can work together to deliver complex maritime capability while growing the next generation of shipbuilding expertise. This partnership approach is fundamental to successful programme delivery.”

Commodore of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Commodore Sam Shattock, said: “Visiting Harland & Wolff and meeting the workforce responsible for delivering the Fleet Solid Support ships has been extremely encouraging. The scale of progress, ambition, technical expertise and pride evident across the yard underlines the importance of this programme to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and to the wider Naval Service. The FSS class of ships will be central to sustaining carrier and fleet operations worldwide, and it is reassuring to see such commitment and professionalism behind their build.”