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Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Thursday, 24 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 April 2025. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Fleet Solid Support Ships: Procurement

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Fleet Solid Support Programme.

Answer

Successful delivery of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, which is currently in the design phase, remains a priority. The recent acquisition of Harland & Wolff (H&W) by Navantia UK (NUK), following the administration of H&W, has provided greater certainty to the delivery of the FSS programme and protects UK’s shipbuilding capability.

The works to recapitalise the Belfast shipyard have restarted since NUK’s takeover of the four H&W yards in January 2025. This investment will further strengthen UK capability, modernising the shipbuilding facilities in Belfast and leading to increased productivity and capacity.

Design work is progressing well and production of the first FSS ship is expected to begin in 2025, with all three vessels bolstering the Royal Fleet Auxiliary over the coming decade.

Following the administration and takeover of H&W, the Government has worked closely with NUK on the future of the FSS programme and agreed with them the minimum changes to the contract necessary, on commercial terms, to ensure the programme’s continued delivery with the least possible delay. Extensive work is being undertaken to understand the full impact on the programme.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
47757
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Procurement Fleet solid support ships
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk