BAE Systems adds capacity in Glasgow
A cutting-edge new ship build hall transforming shipbuilding on the Clyde has officially opened at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow (Source: BAE Systems)
The UK’s BAE Systems, a specialist in naval ship design, construction, conversion, and repair, has opened a new ship construction hall at one of its shipyards in Glasgow.
Named after a leading industrial figure from the last century, Janet Harvey, the multimillion pound investment in Govan is expected to revitalise shipbuilding activity in the Scottish city.
The Janet Harvey Hall, 170m long and 80m wide, has capacity to build two Type 26 frigates side-by-side at the same time. The facility has two 100-tonne cranes, and two 20-tonne cranes and will enable warships to be built under cover in Glasgow for the first time. It will employ 500 people per shift.
Currently under construction are the frigates, HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham. Meanwhile, further upstream on the River Clyde at Scotstoun, HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff are being outfitted. First steel has been cut on HMS Sheffield.
The new hall, a central part of BAE Systems’ GBP 300 million modernisation and digitalisation programme at its Glasgow facilities, is designed to reduce time between deliveries. The company is currently building eight Type 26 frigates for the UK’s Royal Navy.
