Construction has officially begun on a new ship at the historic Scottish shipyard, marking a significant milestone for British shipbuilding. The UK’s newest warship, HMS Sheffield, had its first steel cut at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Glasgow. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle, along with various senior dignitaries, attended the ceremony where 27-year-old apprentice fabricator burner, Michael Miller, carried out the ceremonial act.
This launch of HMS Sheffield is part of a larger project that will see the construction of eight Type 26 frigates on the Clyde. This initiative will sustain nearly 2,000 jobs in Scotland and 4,000 jobs across the wider UK maritime supply chain for years to come. Minister Eagle emphasized the importance of this project for the Royal Navy and British shipbuilding, highlighting the commitment to supporting skilled jobs and economic growth in Scotland and the UK as a whole.
Simon Lister, managing director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, expressed pride in the teams working on the construction of these vessels. He mentioned that the construction of HMS Sheffield will benefit from various investments aimed at transforming digital and physical infrastructure, consolidating a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow. Lister thanked customers and suppliers for their support in advancing this program and delivering next-generation frigates for the Royal Navy.
Additionally, it was noted that four other Type 26 vessels are already under construction. HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are being fabricated at Govan, while HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff are undergoing outfit at Scotstoun. Complex systems will be installed on these ships before testing and commissioning can take place. HMS Glasgow, the first ship in its class, is expected to enter service in 2028. This development signifies a significant investment in naval capability and the continued protection of the nation’s interests while supporting British industry.
The construction of HMS Sheffield symbolizes the ongoing commitment to British shipbuilding and the importance of investing in skilled jobs and economic growth. The project not only contributes to the Royal Navy’s fleet but also supports thousands of jobs in Scotland and the wider UK maritime supply chain. The construction process will involve cutting-edge technology and expertise to ensure the delivery of next-generation frigates for the Royal Navy. Through collaborations with various partners and suppliers, this initiative aims to strengthen the UK’s shipbuilding capabilities and secure a prosperous future for the industry.
