The strategy has been described as a ‘renaissance’ for shipbuilding in the UK. It is based on the government’s Industrial Strategy, which was announced earlier in the year, with an aim to boosting innovation, skills, jobs and productivity across the UK.
The strategy calls for an initial commitment to five Type 31e General Purpose Frigates, which have a price cap of no more than £250 million each. They will all be built in the UK, either at one shipyard or a combination of several – although all yards will be encouraged to work with global partners to ensure the vessels are competitive on the export market. The first ships will be in service by 2023.
This method of production, sharing work around several shipyards, reflects the manufacturing process for the recently completed HMS Queen Elizabeth (pictured). She was built in blocks in six cities across the UK, before undergoing final assembly in Rosyth.
“This new approach will lead to more cutting-edge ships for the growing Royal Navy that will be designed to maximise exports and be attractive to navies around the world,” said Sir Michael Fallon. “Backed up by a commitment to spend billions on new ships, our plan will help boost jobs, skills and growth in shipyards and the supply chain across the UK.”
However, Ross Murdoch, national officer of the GMB union, called the news a ‘missed opportunity’, in particular criticising the government’s decision not to commit to using UK-sourced steel to build the ships. “The lack of any guarantees to use only British steel in these builds is another missed opportunity by this Government to give this industry the long term security it needs,” he said.
“To entertain forcing good jobs abroad, as Michael Fallon has, risks doing lasting, irreversible damage to shipbuilding. GMB urges him to think again.
“The Defence Secretary said this morning 'we have to get back to making things' but his deeds are failing to match his words, denying the support to the shipbuilding industry that would make it a reality. Time will tell just how ill thought-out the government’s position is."
