Navantia’s shipyard in Puerto Real, Cádiz, southwestern Spain, has started building modules for the UK’s Fleet Solid Support program.
The initiative involves a collaboration between Navantia UK in Appledore, England; Harland and Wolff in Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Navantia’s shipyards in Spain to deliver three logistics ships for the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Steel cutting for the program took place last month at Navantia UK’s shipyard in Appledore.
Work at Puerto Real marks the transition from the design phase to production, three years after the program’s 1.6-billion-pound ($2.1-billion) contract was signed.
Modules built in Spain will be transferred to Belfast for final assembly, testing, and delivery.
The three vessels are expected to be operational by 2032.
“The start of work at this shipyard is a clear demonstration of Navantia’s commitment to a customer of vital importance,” said Gonzalo Mateo Guerrero, Navantia’s Director of Operations and Business Development.
“We are placing our very best capabilities at the service of this program and its delivery, meeting the highest standards of quality and rigor.”
Fleet Solid Support
The ships will be the second-largest vessels in service with the UK, after the aircraft carriers, and are designed to allow the Royal Navy to remain at sea for extended periods without returning to port.
They will be operated by Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel to support the Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group at sea, providing ammunition, spare parts, food, and other essential supplies.
Each ship will measure 216 meters (708 feet) in length, roughly the length of two Premier League football fields, with a displacement of 39,000 tons.
