Construction of major ship modules for the UK’s Fleet Solid Support program has commenced at Navantia’s Puerto Real shipyard in Cádiz, marking a key production milestone for the project.
The multinational build program links Navantia UK’s Appledore facility, Harland and Wolff’s shipyard in Belfast, and Navantia’s Spanish yards to produce three large logistics ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Initial steel cutting for the vessels took place last month at the Appledore shipyard.
The start of fabrication activities in Spain represents the program’s transition from design to manufacturing, nearly three years after the signing of the £1.6 billion ($2.1 billion) contract. Completed modules will be transported to Belfast for final integration, trials, and delivery.
The three vessels are expected to be operational by 2032 and will become the second-largest ships in UK service, following the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers. Designed to support sustained global deployments, the ships will allow naval forces to operate at sea for extended periods without returning to port.
Crewed by Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel, the Fleet Solid Support ships will provide vital logistical support to the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, delivering ammunition, spares, provisions, and other essential supplies. Each ship will be 216 meters long and displace around 39,000 tons.
