Huge new British warship powers up for the first time

BAE Systems has powered up HMS Glasgow for the first time, a significant milestone in the Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigate programme as the first-in-class ship begins generating her own electricity.

The company confirmed that diesel generators aboard Glasgow have been switched on, allowing the ship to self-power for the first time. The generators form a core part of the Type 26’s hybrid propulsion and power architecture, providing both electrical power for ship systems and quiet propulsion when required.

According to BAE Systems Maritime, the generators are designed to deliver efficient and flexible power management wherever the Royal Navy operates, while also supporting the platform’s anti-submarine warfare role. Low acoustic signature is a central requirement of the Type 26 design, with power generation, auxiliary systems and routing all engineered to minimise noise and vibration.

The Type 26 Global Combat Ship is optimised for anti-submarine warfare but is intended to be a versatile, multi-mission frigate. Quiet power generation is critical to that role, reducing the ship’s detectability while supporting sensors, combat systems and mission equipment.

HMS Glasgow is the first of thirteen Type 26 frigates being built on the Clyde for the Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy, replacing the ageing Type 23 anti-submarine warfare frigates. The class will form a central part of the UK’s future surface fleet and has also been selected by Canada and Australia for their own naval programmes.

The successful power-up of Glasgow’s generators represents another step towards full systems integration and eventual sea trials, as construction and outfitting continue at BAE Systems’ shipyards on the Clyde.