Construction has begun on a new modern support ship for the Royal Navy following a steel cutting ceremony in Appledore.
The new ship, RFA Resurgent, is intended to strengthen the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) by providing support for both the Royal Navy and its construction.
Forming part of a Strategic Defence Review commitment, the delivery aims to help ensure the Royal Navy’s readiness to operate internationally by providing key support, including the restocking of food stores and munitions.
The Government’s Fleet Solid Support programme intends to show that defence is also an engine for continued growth, with 115 million GBP now invested across four shipyards – creating 1,200 skilled jobs and recruiting 222 apprentices.
Last year, the Government provided support to secure the future of all four Harland & Wolff shipyards in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Devon.
Appledore shipyard will now begun constructing the bow sections of ships, employing 200 people. Twenty new apprentices were recruited this year in partnership with Petroc College.
Currently, construction of ship modules takes place at Navantia’s Appledore yard, whilst final assembly, integration and trials of ships will now take place at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:This is a significant moment as we begin the build of the RFA’s newest ship that will keep our Royal Navy ready to fight and able to deter future threats.
By backing British shipbuilding, we are creating more than 1,200 skilled jobs in Devon, Belfast and beyond. This shows defence is as an engine for growth, boosting communities across the UK.
In a new era of threat, we are investing more of a rising defence budget in new platforms and technologies.
The name of the ship was announced at the event by the Commodore of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary , Commodore Sam Shattock, with delivery expected in 2031.
The programme itself is managed by Defence Equipment & Support in collaboration with Navantia UK and supports the government’s Plan for Change.
