UK’s First Future Solid Support Ship Construction Begins
Navantia has officially commenced the construction of the first modules for the UK’s Future Solid Support (FSS) ships, set to enhance the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) by 2031. This significant milestone follows the initial steel cutting at Navantia’s Appledore facility in North Devon just a month prior. The modules are being built at the Puerto Real shipyard in Cádiz, Spain, and will eventually be integrated in Belfast, marking a collaborative effort between UK and Spanish shipyards.
Collaboration and Capabilities of the FSS Programme
The FSS programme is a joint venture involving Navantia’s shipyards in Spain and the UK, specifically at Appledore and Harland & Wolff in Belfast. This partnership aims to assemble, test, and deliver three FSS vessels that will provide essential logistical support to the Royal Navy. These ships will be crucial for delivering munitions, supplies, and provisions while at sea, thereby enhancing the operational capabilities of the Carrier Strike Group.
Each FSS ship will measure 216 meters in length—equivalent to two football pitches—and will have a displacement of 39,000 tonnes, making them the second-largest vessels in the UK Defence fleet, following the aircraft carriers. The ships will be crewed by 101 RFA personnel, with accommodations for an additional 80 crew members who will operate helicopters and boats or fulfill other roles as needed.
During the steel cutting ceremony in Cádiz, UK Defence Attaché Captain Antony Crabb expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting that it remains on schedule and within budget. He emphasized the importance of this initiative as a testament to the strong cooperation between the UK and Spain’s defense industries. The FSS vessels are expected to significantly bolster the Royal Navy’s ability to operate at sea for extended periods without returning to port, thereby enhancing national defense capabilities.
