New £3.3m facility to boost Type 26 shipbuilding in Glasgow

Designed to improve efficiency, the facility will provide a dedicated space for painting ship blocks, freeing up valuable production areas and increasing capacity as work continues on the Royal Navy's next generation of warships.

The structure is large enough to accommodate four ship units at once, including some of the biggest sections of the Type 26 frigates such as the bow and stern.

Construction is being carried out in partnership with Norwegian company Hallgruppen and is expected to be completed later this year.

The investment follows the opening of the Janet Harvey Hall at Govan last year, allowing two Type 26 frigates to be built in parallel under cover.

BAE Systems has also introduced digital technology across its shipyards, including tablets and kiosk screens, to streamline production and improve workflows.

The Type 26 programme will provide the Royal Navy with advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates while also offering the flexibility to support humanitarian and disaster relief missions when required.

Simon Lister, managing director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: "The new paint facility is another important step in our continued investment in Glasgow’s shipyards, helping to modernise our infrastructure and improve production efficiency.

"By optimising the use of space at our Govan site, the facility will increase painting capacity and support the demands of our shipbuilding programme.

"This investment strengthens our ability to deliver the Type 26 frigates efficiently, at pace and to the highest standards of quality.

"It reflects our commitment to continuously improving our shipbuilding capability and ensuring we remain well positioned to meet the needs of our customers, both now and in the future."