Babcock and BMT to support development of UK’s future surface ships

Babcock has signed a new cooperation agreement with BMT to jointly carry out the development of future classes of surface ships for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), in addition to various other international projects.

The arrangement will see the two companies initially collaborate on the development of the British Royal Navy’s Type 31e frigates and the provision of a UK design alliance solution to the MoD.

Babcock Naval Marine managing director Craig Lockhart said: “Babcock and BMT will work closely together to create a strong design alliance at what is an exciting time within UK and international ship design and build.”

Both companies will jointly explore their respective available designs to allow them to offer the best-suited option to meet the Royal Navy’s cost, capability and delivery requirements.

BMT Defence managing director Jeremy Berwick said: “This is the beginning of a deeper strategic relationship with Babcock founded on many years of working together successfully both with the Royal Navy and navies around the globe.

“The T31e programme is the catalyst where excellence of design, innovation and certainty of delivery combine to offer a highly credible contender for the Royal Navy’s next warship.

“The agreement will provide a strong basis for understanding and serving the different needs of many other navies.”

Babcock and BMT Defence Services previously joined forces to bid for the navy’s Type 31e frigate programme in September, reported Jane’s 360.