UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace visited Cammell Laird’s facility now (Thursday, March 10) as the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh was unveiled.
Designed to reinvigorate the shipbuilding and maritime sector across the UK regions as part of the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda, the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh outlined the government’s plans for the UK shipbuilding enterprise and supply chain, which includes delivering a pipeline of more than 150 new naval and civil vessels.
Cammell Laird’s facilities
The tour also included meetings on board the Type 45 vessel HMS Dauntless
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace undertook a tour of Cammell Laird’s facilities and met with apprentices. The tour also included meetings on board the Type 45 vessel HMS Dauntless.
Mike Hill, Managing Director, Cammell Laird said: “Cammell Laird was delighted to welcome both the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary at our facility and to provide an iconic backdrop for this historic announcement today."
Recent construction of the RRS Sir David Attenborough
Hill added: “Cammell Laird has completed some of the most ambitious shipbuilding and block build projects in modern times, from the block build of the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers, the Astute and Dreadnought class submarines to the recent construction of the RRS Sir David Attenborough."
“Cammell Laird remains right at the heart of UK shipbuilding, and we welcomed this opportunity to showcase our facilities, skills and capabilities to the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary today.”
Range of specialised vessels
Cammell Laird has delivered a range of specialised vessels, including RoRo and RoPax ferries
The visit reaffirms Cammell Laird’s capabilities as the UK’s premier shipbuilder. In addition to the construction of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, Cammell Laird has delivered a range of specialised vessels, including RoRo and RoPax ferries for Red Funnel, Western Ferries and Strangford Ferries.
David McGinley, Chief Executive Officer, Cammell Laird Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders Ltd, said he welcomed a refresh on the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Future UK shipbuilding projects
Mr McGinley said: “Today’s National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh comes at a critical time for British shipyards and the wider supply chain. The National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh will provide vital visibility and greater certainty of future UK shipbuilding projects and the ability to build upon our success."
“A more continuous pipeline and transparency from the UK Government on NSBS will ensure continuity and a welcome end to the stop-start nature of UK shipbuilding. This will arm the UK’s shipbuilding enterprise with the confidence to upskill their workforce and invest in their capabilities and new technology."
