The first steel has been cut for the UK’s newest warship, HMS Sheffield, at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Glasgow.
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BAE Systems Press Release, London, 28 November 2024: The first steel has been cut for the UK’s newest warship, HMS Sheffield, at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Glasgow. 27-year-old Apprentice Fabricator Burner, Michael Miller, carried out the ceremonial act.
This marks the official start of construction on the fifth of eight City Class vessels and is a significant milestone for the programme and British shipbuilding. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle attended the ceremony alongside a range of senior dignitaries from the UK Government, armed forces and industrial partners.
All eight Type 26 frigates will be built on the Clyde, with the work sustaining nearly 2,000 jobs in Scotland and 4,000 jobs across the wider UK maritime supply chain for decades to come.
“This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding. HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our fleet, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and the wider UK. This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue to protect our nation’s interests while supporting British industry.” Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry
Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: “This is a proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who play their part in the design and construction of these important vessels. HMS Sheffield’s construction will benefit from a range of investments, which are transforming our digital and physical infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow.
“I’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support and commitment as we take this programme forward together and deliver next generation frigates for the Royal Navy.”
Simon Dakin, DE&S Director General Core, said: “These frigates will have an essential role in ensuring the continued security of our nation and this is a proud moment for all involved. We are delighted to have celebrated this shipbuilding event on the Clyde in the company of all those playing a part in delivering this important programme.”
The Type 26 is one of the world’s most advanced warships. It is designed for anti-submarine warfare and high-intensity air defence and can adapt its role quickly to transport high volumes of humanitarian aid and house medical facilities.
BAE Systems has invested approximately £12m in a new Applied Shipbuilding Academy in Glasgow to support the development of the entire workforce, from apprentices through to senior leaders. In addition, construction is at an advanced stage on the Janet Harvey Hall, a modern shipbuilding facility. Named in honour of the World War II shipyard electrician, the hall will greatly enhance productivity on the Clyde to support the delivery of these eight ships and future orders.
Of the other four Type 26 vessels already under construction, HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are being fabricated at Govan. HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff are undergoing outfit at Scotstoun where complex systems will be installed before test and commissioning takes place. HMS Glasgow, the first ship in class, is expected to enter service in 2028.
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Warship Production Milestone Supports Thousands of British Jobs
Construction has begun on HMS Sheffield – a new warfare ship for the Royal Navy, and will be one of the world’s most advanced warships.
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MoD Press Release, Whitehall, 28 November 2024: The construction of HMS Sheffield, an advanced anti-submarine warfare ship for the Royal Navy, officially began today with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony in Glasgow.
Nearly 2,000 jobs and apprenticeships will be supported through the production of Type 26 frigates, providing valuable employment opportunities for skilled workers and apprentices in Scotland. Around 4,000 jobs will be supported throughout the UK supply chain, in a boost to the economy.
HMS Sheffield is the fifth of eight Type 26 frigates being built in Scotland, marking another significant step forward in the City Class frigate programme, designed for a service life of at least 25 years, serving into the 2060s.
Representatives from BAE Systems, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Royal Navy, and government joined employees for the event, as an apprentice official cut steel on HMS Sheffield.
Attending the ceremony, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said: “This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding.
“HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our fleet, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and the wider UK.
“This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue to protect our nation’s interests while supporting British industry.
The Type 26 frigates will replace the current Type 23 fleet and will be among the world’s most advanced warships, supporting our national security. Their primary role will be to protect the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group. These versatile ships will also support international operations, including counter-piracy missions and humanitarian relief work. This will support the UK in creating a stronger defence and ensuring our Armed Forces are better equipped to tackle the threats of the future.
Sir Simon Lister, Managing Director, BAE Systems, Naval Ships said: “This is a proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who play their part in the design and construction of these important vessels.
“HMS Sheffield’s construction will benefit from a range of investments, which are transforming our digital and physical infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow.
“I’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support and commitment as we take this programme forward together and deliver the next generation frigates for the Royal Navy.”
HMS Sheffield is a name steeped in Royal Navy history, with the name previously on several ships, including on a Town class cruiser which saw extensive action during the Second World War, and a Type 42 destroyer which was deployed during the Falklands War.
Construction of all of the City Class Type 26 frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, with HMS Glasgow, the first in class, entering service by the end of 2028.
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