Navantia’s shipyard in Puerto Real (Cádiz) has begun the construction of modules for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme which will see Navantia UK deliver three logistics ships for the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The ships are contracted by the UK Ministry of Defence through Navantia UK, Navantia’s British subsidiary. Steel cutting ceremony took place on 3 December at Navantia UK’s shipyard in Appledore (Devon). The ceremony was presided by the UK Minister for Defence Industry, Luke Pollard, and Ricardo Domínguez, Chairman of Navantia.
The start of work at the Puerto Real shipyard showcases the progress of the programme, three years after the contract was first signed. The steel cutting in Cádiz was attended by the UK Defence Attaché in Spain, Captain Antony Crabb and Navantia’s Director of Operations and Business Development, Gonzalo Mateo Guerrero.
The British Embassy Defence Attaché stated: We warmly welcome Navantia’s ongoing commitment to delivering the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme on time and within budget. Today’s commencement of construction at Puerto Real marks a significant milestone for the FSS programme, which is a great example of the cooperation between our two defence industries and our two countries.
Following the successful cut steel at Navantia UK’s Appledore yard last December, today’s event continues the transition of the FSS programme from the design phase into production. The FSS modules being built in Spain will be transferred to the integration yard in Belfast. We look forward to continued collaboration as we move forwards in delivering these important ships for service in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
“The start of work at this shipyard is a clear demonstration of Navantia’s commitment to a customer of vital importance. We are placing our very best capabilities at the service of this programme and its delivery, meeting the highest standards of quality and rigour,” said Gonzalo Mateo Guerrero.
The three FSS ships will be operated by Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) personnel to support the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group at sea, supplying ammunition, spare parts, food and other essential stores.
The FSS programme will see Navantia UK’s shipyard in Appledore and Harland & Wolff (Belfast), work collaboratively with Navantia’s shipyards in Spain for subsequent assembly, testing and delivery in Belfast.
Each FSS ship will be 216 metres long—the equivalent of two Premier League football pitches—and will have a displacement of 39,000 tonnes, making them the second largest ships in service with UK Defence, second only to the aircraft carriers. This new capability will strengthen defence operations, enabling the Royal Navy to remain at sea for extended periods without the need to return to port.
