BAE contracts Norwegian shipyard for Type 26 composite work
A composite mast structure is lifted onto the first-in-class Type 26 frigate HMS Glasgow. (Photo: BAE Systems)
Norway’s Umoe Mandal will build masts and other structures for five more Type 26 frigates.
BAE Systems has contracted Norwegian shipyard Umoe Mandal to deliver composite structures for the five Batch 2 City-class Type 26 frigates.
Under the award, the Norwegian company will build and deliver the mast structure, including sponsons, doors, hatches and internal outfitting, as well as bulwarks and life raft platforms.
The assemblies will be constructed at Umoe Mandal’s Norwegian shipyard before being shipped to Glasgow for installation on future ships.
The contract follows work from the company providing the same subassemblies for the first three Batch 1 frigates.
The mast structures, bulwarks and life raft platforms are constructed from military-grade composites.
Using composites for modules high on the vessel’s structure offer benefits for seagoing characteristics and reduces the amount of ballast needed to stabilise the ship.
The lightweight materials also lower the centre of gravity than if the mast were built from steel. The associated weight reduction also gives the frigates increased deadweight capacity.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Global Combat Ship Programme - Batch 2 - City Class (Type 26)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![Thinning Arctic ice reveals naval capability gaps and new opportunities]()
Thinning Arctic ice reveals naval capability gaps and new opportunities
As sea ice extent hits a record low and geopolitical tensions increase in the High North, navies are contending to adopt the technologies needed to operate beneath an increasingly unpredictable Arctic Ocean.
-
![Lockheed Martin confirms 2029 target date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE integration]()
Lockheed Martin confirms 2029 target date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE integration
Enabling Aegis-equipped vessels to launch PAC-3 MSE interceptors will give the USN more options to engage highly manoeuvrable hypersonic missiles – including the ones China has been developing.
