Team Resolute, a consortium of Navantia UK, BMT and Harland & Wolff, has unveiled its evolved design for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship, a key part of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) £1.6 bn contract for three FSS vessels that will provide the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) with new capability to support global operations for the Royal Navy.
The design from BMT’s UK based engineers and naval architects represents a significant advancement in capability, offering enhanced operational efficiency and support. BMT is using its experience to provide safety and environmental management, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), training packages, and support to obtaining the ships’ security accreditation.
The evolution of the ship design at this stage of the FSS programme demonstrates the progress that has been made and reflects the dedication of BMT, its partners in Team Resolute and the strong relationship with the MoD and DE&S. The progressive approach to the design provides a pathway for the introduction of new technologies and the incorporation of energy-saving and emission-reducing technologies and future fuels that will contribute to carbon reduction. This collaborative effort will ensure the FSS ships’ reliability, ease of maintenance, operational readiness, and overall effectiveness.
The evolved FSS design draws on BMT’s experience across a spectrum of naval programmes to promote compatibility, interoperability and high levels of safety. It meets sustainability requirements set by the UK MoD looking towards the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Chairman of Navantia UK, Vice Adm (Retd) Sir Alan Massey said: “This is an important milestone for this critical programme for the Royal Navy. It demonstrates how successfully Team Resolute is working together in boosting UK maritime capabilities, providing an evolved cutting-edge design, transferring knowledge and laying the foundation for the modernisation of Harland & Wolff’s shipyards.”
BMT CEO Sarah Kenny said: “The MoD’s investment brings significant social and economic value to the UK enabling BMT to create 120 high-skilled jobs at its Bristol, Bath, Weymouth, Fareham, Glasgow, and Southampton sites, meeting the Government’s ‘Refreshed National Shipbuilding Strategy’ objectives.”
Harland & Wolff Group CEO, John Wood said: “Team Resolute progress on FSS is already re-establishing a skills base for UK shipbuilding in Northern Ireland, thus strengthening UK sovereign capability. Transfer of knowledge from Spanish shipbuilder Navantia concerning programme management, procurement and cutting-edge shipyard technologies is well underway. With planning permission approved, works are due to start on recapitalisation of Belfast, creating the UK’s most technologically advanced shipyard, meaning FSS is providing a foundation on which to complete for decades to come. Having welcomed the second cohort of young apprentices to Belfast and Appledore, we’re not only building the skills base to deliver FSS, but creating a new highly skilled talent pool for the UK.”
