Manufacturing is now underway at Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow), on the first of three units to be built for HMS Belfast, the third City Class Type 26 frigate currently being constructed by BAE Systems, signalling a new dawn for the Port Glasgow shipyard.  

This phase of work involves fabricating three steel units. When ready later this year, the modules will be transported to BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard ready for assembly as part of HMS Belfast, the third frigate in a series of eight warships that BAE Systems is building for the Ministry of Defence. 

David Tydeman, Chief Executive of Ferguson Marine said: “Today heralds a new era for commercial shipbuilding at Port Glasgow, one we have painstakingly planned and prepared for. It demonstrates the ability of our skilled workforce to secure complex new contracts in a commercial environment. And this is just the beginning. We plan to grow our expertise and capabilities to win additional commercial contracts and adjacent markets. 

“From a skills perspective, the yard is continuing to invest in apprenticeships so it’s encouraging to be able to demonstrate to our current intake that we can win this type of work.  As a member of the Executive Committee for the National Shipbuilding Strategy, encouraging young people to consider shipbuilding as a career is an ambition very close to my heart.” 

David Shepherd, Programme Director of BAE Systems, added: “The Type 26 programme is a truly UK wide endeavour with more than 120 UK suppliers already contracted and providing a range of skills, technologies and equipment that combined will make the Type 26 a truly world-class maritime capability.  We look forward to working alongside the team at Ferguson Marine as we progress the steel work for HMS Belfast.”

Casper Wilamowski third year apprentice (L), John McMunagle welding trainer (M), and Beth Atkinson third year apprentice (R).