Balaena welcomes Government decision to build new CEFAS research vessel in Britain
UK shipbuilding group says commitment to British yards is an important step in rebuilding sovereign maritime capability
Balaena has welcomed the Government’s announcement that the new Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) research vessel will be built in Britain, with the competition open exclusively to UK shipyards.
The new vessel will replace the RV Cefas Endeavour and provide the UK with a new generation of marine research capability, incorporating advanced technologies including automation, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Importantly, the Government has confirmed that the procurement will be restricted to UK shipyards in order to help sustain Britain’s sovereign shipbuilding capability – recognising its importance to national security.
Balaena, one of the UK’s largest shipbuilding, ship repair and maritime engineering groups, has welcomed the decision as another important signal of the Government’s commitment to backing British industry.
With more than 2,000 skilled people across five strategic locations, 12 dry docks and extensive shipbuilding, fabrication, repair and engineering capability, Balaena stands ready to support the next generation of UK government shipbuilding.
The Group is also investing in the skills needed to sustain the industry for the future, with apprentices training across its yards and a continuous pipeline of young people entering highly skilled maritime and engineering careers.
Simon Gillett, Group CEO of Balaena, said:
“We strongly welcome the decision to build the new Cefas research vessel here in Britain.
“This is exactly the kind of long-term commitment British shipbuilding needs. Government procurement has an important role to play in sustaining our shipyards, developing skills, supporting supply chains and ensuring the UK retains the sovereign capability to build and maintain its own vessels.
“Balaena has the yards, infrastructure and, most importantly, the skilled people to deliver complex vessels in Britain today.
“We are investing in the next generation too, with apprentices coming through our yards and learning from some of the most experienced people in the industry.
“Building British should mean creating lasting capability in Britain – British yards, British skills, British jobs and opportunities for the next generation.”
The announcement comes alongside the Government’s decision to give the National Shipbuilding Office oversight of future civil government ship procurement, with the aim of providing UK industry with a clearer and more predictable pipeline of demand.
Balaena believes that greater visibility of the Government’s future vessel requirements will allow British shipyards to invest with confidence in facilities, technology, skills and apprenticeships.
The new Cefas vessel is expected to enter service in the early 2030s and will support the monitoring of UK waters, including fish stocks, pollution and seabed mapping, while incorporating cleaner fuels and emerging marine technologies.
ENDS
