VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Fleet Solid Support Ships: Procurement

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 4 March 2025UIN 34227

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his timeline is for the delivery of the first Fleet Solid Support Ship.

Answered by Maria Eagle

On the current schedule, the first ship is expected to enter service by 2031 following extended first of class trials and equipment fits, however extensive work is being undertaken to understand the full impact on the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme following the recent takeover of Harland & Wolff by Navantia UK. This includes the impact on the in-service dates which are still being assessed and will be mitigated as far as possible.

The Government has worked closely with Navantia UK on the future of the FSS programme and agreed with them the minimum changes to the contract necessary - on commercial terms - to ensure the programme's continued delivery. The FSS team are working with Navantia UK to complete the detailed contract change and it would be inappropriate to comment further due to commercial sensitivities.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim