Defence Minister Luke Pollard said in a written response to a question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty that the scope of the ministry’s assessment was limited. Pollard stated: “The current assessment of the potential impact of the raw material shortage at Liberty Steel’s Dalzell plant on the construction of the three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is considered to be low.”
The comments follow earlier concerns over the Dalzell plant’s ability to supply plate steel for the programme, amid ongoing financial difficulties at Liberty Steel’s parent company, GFG Alliance. The Motherwell-based facility was expected to provide steel for three 216-metre-long vessels, including the first ship, RFA Resurgent, which is scheduled for delivery in 2031.
Pollard also stressed that the Ministry of Defence is not directly responsible for steel procurement. “Steel supply for the FSS programme is the responsibility of the prime contractor, Navantia UK,” he said, adding that Navantia UK’s objective is to maximise the use of UK steel wherever it is technically and commercially feasible, while maintaining the delivery schedule.
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