Around 1,200 UK shipyard jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships are expected to be created through the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme. This initiative aims to boost sovereign shipbuilding at Navantia UK’s Appledore and Belfast shipyards.
Today, a key milestone was reached with the keel laying ceremony for RFA Resurgent, the first of three new FSS ships. The ceremony, held at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard, marked the formal start of the ship's structure taking shape. During the event, the names of her sister ships were also announced as RFA Reliant and RFA Resourceful.
The FSS programme involves an investment of approximately £100 million into Navantia UK’s shipyards in Belfast and Appledore, Devon. RFA Resurgent is due to enter service in the early 2030s, providing essential supplies to Royal Navy vessels at sea, including support for carrier strike group operations.