BMT and Navantia UK have achieved the first key milestone in the UK’s Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Ships programme, with the completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
The completion of the PDR has been possible thanks to close collaboration between Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), Navantia UK, and British designer BMT which has led the functional design phase.
The FSS now enters a new phase, focused on detailed design and heading towards the start of construction in 2025, according to the schedule.
Catriona Savage, Programme Director at BMT, said, "The successful completion of the PDR is a testament to the collaborative efforts within the partnership, driving the FSS programme forward. This milestone paves the way for delivering advanced and efficient support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, enhancing the Royal Navy’s operational readiness for global missions and contributing to the UK's industrial and economic growth. Our collaboration and shared commitment to innovation are setting the stage for a new era in UK maritime capabilities."
Following the completion of the functional design, BMT will continue to be involved in the FSS programme by monitoring changes that impact the functional design, developing through-life support and training packages, delivering comprehensive safety and environmental case reports, and supporting Navantia UK with the ships' security accreditation.
Navantia UK is the UK subsidiary of Spanish company Navantia, created to work with UK industrial partners in shipbuilding, offshore wind energy and hydrogen. Its parent company, Navantia, is a world reference in the design, building, integration and through life support of highly technological state-of-the-art war ships for the Spanish Navy and international clients.
José Luis Viguera, Navantia UK FSS Programme Liaison, said “Industrial collaboration is at the core of the mission of Navantia UK. Shipbuilding is a complex industry that requires the combination of the expertise of leading companies. The achievement of this significant milestone underscore Navantia UK's excellence in programme management, showcasing our ability to lead and innovate within the industry.”
An MOD spokesperson said: “We are delighted to see completion of this important milestone on schedule. We would like to acknowledge Navantia and BMT’s strong commitment to delivering an innovative and capable design, as well as their collaboration with DE&S. The Fleet Solid Support programme is on track to deliver highly capable ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and we look forward to the continued successful delivery as we work towards production milestones in 2025.”
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From left to right: Ian Randles (MOD FSS Chief Engineer), Cat Savage (BMT FSS Programme Director), Alex Du Pre (MOD FSS Project Leader), José Luis Viguera (Navantia UK FSS Programme Liaison), Daniel Smye-Rumsby (BMT FSS Programme Manager), José Angel Llamas (Navantia FSS Chief Engineer), Simon Jones (BMT FSS Chief Engineer), Camino Sánchez Ruiz (Navantia Engineering Director), José Luis Valle (Navantia FSS Programme Director).
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BMT HM Government Zone - Royal Navy, UK MOD Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) 
