MOD signs £278m to build two more Navy ships

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed a £287 million contract with BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships to build two more Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Royal Navy.

Harriett Baldwin, Minister for Defence Procurement, announced the contract to build the two new ships, boosting the UK’s fleet of next generation River class OPVs from three to five ships, which will all enter service in 2018.

The work enabled by the contract will include the building of HMS Tamar and HMS Spey as well as support for all five of the new ships.

Additionally, the contract enables the sustaining of 800 jobs at shipyards on the Clyde through contracted work and by guaranteeing the crucial manufacturing skills needed to build the Navy’s future Type 26 Frigates.

Baldwin said: “This contract will deliver two more modern Offshore Patrol Vessels, HMS Tamar and HMS Spey, for the Royal Navy and safeguard vital shipbuilding skills and hundreds of jobs in Scotland.

“Protected by a rising Defence budget, the OPV programme is an important part of the government’s £178 billion plan to ensure our armed forces have the equipment they need.”

Tony Douglas, CEO at the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, added: “This agreement will deliver two more Offshore Patrol Vessels which the Royal Navy will use to protect the nation’s interest at home and around the world.

“These modern ships will have a versatile flight deck, improved firefighting equipment and greater storage and accommodation than previous vessels, giving UK sailors a decisive advantage on a huge range of operations.”