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A Norwegian shipyard has been engaged to build mast structures, hatches, and other internal outfitting for Type 26 City Class frigates in use with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy.
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Umoe Mandal is contracted through BAE Systems to deliver the advanced lightweight composite structures to five Navy frigates on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence.
The shipbuilder will also deliver sponsons, doors, bulwarks, and life raft platforms to each ship.
Umoe Mandal chief executive officer Tom Harald Svennevig said the equipment will be constructed and assembled in Southern Norway before being shipped to Glasgow where the frigates are being built.
“Building on the execution of the contract for the first three composite masts for the first three Type 26 frigates; to secure this second contract for deliveries to five new vessels, is something we are immensely proud of as it is the best possible confirmation that we deliver in line with BAE Systems’ extremely high standards,” he said.
“The Type 26 frigates are important vessels for both the UK and NATO with regards to Euro-Atlantic security and security in the High North. Areas that share marine boundaries with Norway.
“Being able to support this defence program is therefore a proud moment for us at Umoe Mandal.”
City Class frigates are being built to replace the older Type 23 frigates already in service with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and to provide advanced anti-submarine warfare missions, transport humanitarian aid, and house medical facilities. Variants are also being constructed for the Australian and Canadian navies with an anticipated 32-ship program across the three nations.
Three Type 26 frigates are being built in Glasgow. First in class, HMS Glasgow entered the water in December 2022 to be delivered to the Royal Navy in the mid-2020s.
Umoe Mandal’s vice president of sales and marketing, Are Søreng, said mast structures, bulwarks, and life raft platforms for the five new-build frigates will be constructed from military-grade composite materials.
“Utilising advanced lightweight composites modules increase vessel stability as it reduces the centre of gravity and increases deadweight capacity, both of which enhance vessel performance,” he said.
“In addition, it reduces maintenance requirements and fuel consumption, which in turn helps to increase the vessels’ operating window.”
Type 26 head of supply chain Scott Robertson said the contract will have further opportunities over the life of the Type 26 program.
“We are pleased to have further strengthened our relationship with Umoe Mandal through securing the supply of a further five shipsets of equipment to the Type 26 program and look forward to working closely with them to identify and develop value-adding opportunities over the course of the Type 26 program,” he said.
