Drone shots show HMS Cardiff, the second Type 26 Frigate being built in Scotland, before the vessel enters the water for the first time.
The ship is undergoing structural work before being floated and transported to BAE Systems’ Scotstoun later this month.
This ‘launch’ involves a detailed process where the ship will be floated downriver on a semi-submersible barge to the sheltered waters of Glenmallan, lowered into the water, and subsequently brought back upriver to Scotstoun for fitting out.
For the avoidance of doubt, the drone footage was obtained legally by a qualified person in adherence to UK drone legislation and guidance. In addition, the drone is insured, and a flight plan was submitted using drone safety software.
Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, previously expressed pride and satisfaction in the progress.
“The emergence of HMS Cardiff is a very proud moment for everyone involved in her construction. We have now completed all major units of the ship and in the coming weeks our skilled teams will consolidate the ship in preparation for next year’s float off,” Lister said.
The first Type 26 frigate, HMS Glasgow, is currently being outfitted at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun facility. Construction of the eight Type 26 frigates is expected to last until the mid-2030s. HMS Glasgow is anticipated to be the first of the fleet to join the Royal Navy in the mid-2020s.
HMS Cardiff will be the last frigate to have its hull sections integrated in the open air on the hardstand. This is due to the construction of a new £100m-plus ship build hall at the Govan site, which will allow the integration process for the remaining six ships to take place under cover, making it less susceptible to weather conditions.
The Type 26 frigates are designed for anti-submarine warfare and high-intensity air defence and can be adapted for roles such as humanitarian aid and medical support. The new facility and cranes will ensure that these ships are built efficiently and to the highest standards, and a bit quicker, too.
The investment in the new shipbuilding hall is expected to sustain approximately 1,700 jobs in Scotland and 2,300 jobs across the wider UK supply chain, contributing to both the local and national economy.
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Will Glasgow have to move to another dock or are they using more than 1 dock for fit out.
AFAIK there are 3 dry docks in Scotsoun, at least 2 can accommodate a type 26.
Yeh but as I understand they’re only using one for fit out and one as a wet dock for propulsion testing and such.
Correct there are 3 Drydocks at Scotstoun the 2 that they use are the same ones they used for the T45’s. Both have different functions and one of those is specifically modified to carry out one of those. If you go onto Google Earth and look at the Scotstoun yard at makes sense as to why they move the ship about. A lot of the outfitting is done against the wall in the deep water birth, but you do need to move into drydock to carry out the outer hull work and to fit the bits that you need stability… Read more »
Huh ? Glasgow is Still in the same dock that she moved to years ago,she will make way for Cardiff some time soon and be finished off just down the dock.
Well that’s what I meant. How long will she be in that dock cause she hasn’t had her gun, VLS or really most of her top deck equipment fitted. Cardiff will be waiting a while.
Those are pretty well the last bits that will be fitted, simple reasons are you fit inside to outside and fit the sensitive (very expensive bits) last.
No i get that but if Cardiff is heading down to the drydocks this month its going to be left sitting pier side till the docks available.
I assume Lister’s quote was made last year or does he know something we don’t
My question is… If we happened to be at war would they pull there finger out a bit? It seems they like talking in years, get a fu..ing move on…
Yes i thought Float out was this year for Cardiff?
It is, either it’s a typo or mis speak. It may be later this month or next.
People here talking “fitting out”…its not all about guns and ballistics….think taps toilets sinks, carpets, curtains… All these things used to be made locally in Glasgow, as anyone will know who has pissed against Shanks of Barrhead, but most of these we things are probably importing… That’s all part of “fitting out”…a 7,000 ton ship… Beds, duvets, …it gets right down to door handles…. Fitting out… Nightmare in logistics… 🙂
I don’t see any units of Belfast in the sheds. Have they delayed assembly until the new shed is more ready. I would have thought they might continue assembly in the old sheds then move to the new one when possible.
Why don’t they get the finger out and finish the bloody things in the new build hall , traditionally it takes far too long , they should be working round the clock to get them out and in operation .