Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 47
47
Acknowledged
In addition to uncertainty around the Type 32 frigate, the selection of Team Resolute as...
Conclusion
In addition to uncertainty around the Type 32 frigate, the selection of Team Resolute as the preferred bidder for the Fleet Solid Support ships contract (as discussed in paragraphs 20–27 above) also means that the FSS vessels (considered later in this chapter) will not be forming part of the drumbeat for Scottish yards.
Government response summary AI-generated
The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry and highlights the 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
The MOD does not agree that the decision to award the Fleet Solid Support contract to Team Resolute creates a potential gap in the workstream for the Scottish warship industry. Construction of the Fleet Solid Support ships will begin in 2025 with all three ships entering service by 2032. Construction of the Type 31 frigates will continue until 2028 with the final ship entering service in 2030, while construction of the Type 26 frigates is expected to continue into the mid-2030s. To have delayed the build of the Fleet Solid Support ships until after the completion of either Type 26 or Type 31 would have placed at risk the vital capability provided by the Fleet Solid Support ships in support of Carrier Strike. The Fleet Solid Support contract will still provide opportunities for Scotland in Harland and Wolff’s Methil and Arnish sites. Furthermore, between the 13 Frigates in build at BAE Systems on the Clyde and Babcock in Rosyth, the vast Government shipbuilding pipeline and export prospects, there will be ample opportunity for Scottish naval shipyards to fill their order books over the next decade. Nonetheless, the NSO recognises that key to delivering this Government’s vision for UK shipbuilding is to better understand the opportunities and pressures across the sector.
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