New bosses at a Tyneside shipyard have declared that workers are ready to deliver new warships under the Government's Defence Investment Plan. Balaena, which acquired A&P Group—including its Hebburn yard—weeks ago, has welcomed the plan that includes £15bn investment in key equipment and technology.
New Warships for the Royal Navy
The plan includes at least six new warships for the Royal Navy, with Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis promising they will be British-built. Ministry of Defence officials said the 'Common Combat Vessels' will replace the current fleet of six Type 45 destroyers and are expected to be delivered from the early 2030s. The drone-equipped ships signal a shift in the navy's approach to mix crewed and un-crewed vessels, which the MoD says are better suited to modern warfare.
Mr Jarvis stated: "Developed with exceptional British innovators, the new ships will be British-built, supporting jobs across the nation and giving the Royal Navy a capability built for modern warfare."
Opportunities for A&P Hebburn
For A&P, the news signals welcome opportunities for new work. The Hebburn yard, which includes England's largest dry dock, specialises in repair and conversion work and has previously dealt with Royal Navy projects. Gibraltar-based maritime group Balaena acquired A&P Group and Cammell Laird in June as part of an ambitious strategy to become a prime shipbuilding operator alongside defence giants such as Babcock and BAE. It has talked about investing to modernise facilities at A&P sites.
Balaena Chief Executive Comments
Balaena chief executive Simon Gillett said the Government’s Defence Investment Plan announcement recognises the strategic importance of Britain’s shipbuilding industry. He said: "Today’s announcement is a vote of confidence in Britain’s industrial capability and in communities like Tyneside that have built ships for generations. The Government is signalling a significant change in how Britain’s defence and security will be secured. Balaena is ready to help deliver that change."
He added: "Our workforce on Tyneside possesses world-class engineering, fabrication and shipbuilding skills. Combined with the agility of Balaena, we are well placed to deliver the next generation of naval vessels on time and on budget. This is about investing in people as much as platforms. Every new defence programme creates opportunities for apprentices, graduates, local suppliers and families across the region. We want young people across the North East to see shipbuilding as a career with a future. Today’s announcement gives real confidence that Britain’s maritime industry has an exciting future ahead."
