A&P and Cammell Laird have been awarded contracts by BAE Systems to build units for the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Frigates.
The advanced anti-submarine warfare vessels are being constructed at BAE Systems’ site in Govan, Scotland, but will incorporate units built by both A&P and Cammell Laird.
A&P Tyne – which boasts the largest fabrication facilities on the east coast of England – has built four lower units for Ship No3, HMS Belfast, all of which were delivered earlier this year. Cammell Laird – which operates one of the largest construction halls in Europe – is building units for Ship 4, it will also be joining all of these units together.
It marks the latest milestone in a hugely productive history of collaboration with BAE Systems, having previously supported the build of the Astute and Dreadnought Class Submarines, manufactured substantial parts of Her Majesty’s QEC Class Aircraft Carriers and delivered the Type 45 Power Improvement Project (PIP).
Steve Jones, Managing Director at A&P Tyne said:
“A&P Tyne has completed block build units for some of the most significant ship building projects in recent time – including the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers, the RRS Sir David Attenborough and units for both the Astute and Dreadnought class submarines.
“A&P Tyne is delighted to have delivered units for Ship No3, HMS Belfast, of the Type 26 frigates and build on our collaboration with BAE Systems.
“We are also proud to be supporting our colleagues at Cammell Laird by sharing vital experience and knowledge from the build of Ship 3. This vital knowledge has added significant efficiencies to Cammell Laird’s delivery of units for Ship No4, HMS Birmingham.”
David McGinley, Chief Executive Officer at A&P Group and Cammell Laird, said:
“We have a proud track record when it comes to partnership working and delivering projects of vital national importance.
“Our commitment to the armed forces and our defence capabilities lies at the heart of our business and everything we do.”
Apprentices from both A&P and Cammell Laird have also been working on the project, a point of pride for everyone involved.
David added:
“We’re fiercely and unashamedly proud to be able to play even a small role in the lives of the communities in which we’re based. And because this is the next generation of Royal Navy vessel, it’s only fitting that the next generation of our workforce should be working on it.”
The Type 26 Frigates are designed for anti-submarine warfare and will replace the Type 23, with the first due to enter service later this decade.
For more information about the services of A & P Tyne: https://www.ap-group.co.uk/facilities/ap-tyne
