Navantia UK has laid the keel of RFA Resurgent at its Appledore shipyard in North Devon, formally starting assembly of the first of three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The milestone came with the lowering of the first block in Appledore’s dry dock and the placement of a commemorative coin beneath the section for good fortune.
Navantia UK has taken on 21 new apprentices at its Methil yard, lifting the site total to 75. The intake forms part of 121 apprentices hired across the company this year, as Methil also works on the Navantia UK Seahorse and a new export vessel contract.
Rear Admiral Matthew Stratton visited Navantia UK’s Methil yard in Fife as the site’s investment reached £26.7 million. He saw the modernisation work underway, including new welfare units, modular transporters, cutting equipment and a new Rubb building for blasting, coating and finishing work.
Navantia UK has delivered the 85-metre, 1,400-tonne transport barge Seahorse from its Methil yard. The vessel was delivered on budget and in eight months, and has now arrived at Appledore in North Devon to support build work on three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Alexander Marine Design of Fife provided naval architecture and design support.