UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Navantia UK, BMT and Harland & Wolff are the consortium working on the Fleet Solid Support ship programme. (Image: Navantia)
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
The UK Royal Navy’s Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships programme will not face setbacks as a result of problems at Liberty Steel’s Dalzell plant, according to comments from defence minister Luke Pollard.
In a written response to an MP’s question on 22 January, Pollard said: “The current assessment of the potential impact of raw material shortage [at the plant] on the construction of the three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is considered to be low.”
Speaking to Shephard, Ben Murray, chief of staff for Navantia UK – which is building the vessel as part of a consortium –
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
