Fleet Solid Support Ships Programme Reaches Major Design Milestone with BMT Leading Functional Design in Preliminary Design Review

Fleet Solid Support Ships Programme Reaches Major Design Milestone with BMT Leading Functional Design in Preliminary Design Review

(IN BRIEF) The Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Ships programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary has successfully completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR), marking a major milestone in the project. Led by Navantia UK as the prime contractor and BMT overseeing the functional design, the review confirmed the maturity and robustness of the ship design. This accomplishment moves the project into the detailed design phase, with construction set to begin in 2025. BMT played a crucial role in integrating innovative technologies, including energy-saving systems and emissions-reducing solutions, aligning with the UK’s carbon reduction goals. The collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Navantia UK, and BMT ensures the delivery of advanced support ships for the Royal Navy’s future operational needs.

(PRESS RELEASE) TEDDINGTON, 21-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — On October 21, 2024, the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Ships programme, led by Navantia UK and BMT, successfully completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR), marking a major milestone for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s new support ships. This achievement signifies the maturity of the design and confirms that the project is progressing on schedule towards the detailed design phase and eventual construction, which is set to begin in 2025.

The successful PDR was achieved through close collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Navantia UK, the programme’s prime contractor, and BMT, responsible for leading the functional design. Navantia UK has overseen the project’s management, ensuring effective coordination across various aspects such as scheduling, procurement, and production engineering.

A spokesperson from the MOD expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of this significant milestone, highlighting the dedication of Navantia UK, BMT, and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) to delivering a capable and innovative design. The programme is on track to deliver advanced support ships that will enhance the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities.

José Luis Viguera, Navantia UK’s FSS Programme Liaison, emphasized the importance of industrial collaboration in complex shipbuilding projects, commending the partnership for its innovative approach. BMT’s design integrates new technologies focused on energy efficiency, emission reductions, and future fuel provisions, aligning with the UK’s carbon reduction goals.

BMT’s Programme Director, Catriona Savage, praised the teamwork behind the successful PDR and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing state-of-the-art ships that will contribute to the Royal Navy’s global readiness while supporting the UK’s industrial growth. Moving forward, BMT will continue its involvement in the FSS programme by supporting functional design updates, providing through-life support, and contributing to safety, environmental, and security assessments.

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SOURCE: BMT Group Ltd