BAE Systems bids for royal contract

A BAE Systems-led consortium has submitted a bid for a contract to design and build up to six fleet tankers for the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The other members of the consortium are BMT Defence Services and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). The contract forms the first part of the military afloat reach and sustainability (MARS) programme.

BAE Systems, through its Surface Fleet Solutions business, will act as lead contractor and programme manager, BMT, which is based in Bath and Weymouth, will be responsible for the vessel design and DSME will build the ships in Korea.

Vic Emery, managing director of BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions, said: ‘While it is intended that all vessels will be constructed in Korea, a unique feature the consortium offers, in terms of flexibility, is the ability to provide UK build options, should such an approach become necessary.’