Fleet Solid Support Programme Completes Preliminary Design Review for UK Logistics Vessels

The Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme to construct three logistics support vessels for the UK has completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR), marking the first engineering milestone in the project.

The PDR was achieved through collaborative sessions between the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Navantia UK as the primary contractor, and BMT, which leads the functional design phase. The FSS now transitions to the detailed design phase, with construction scheduled to begin in 2025.

The PDR's completion was facilitated by cooperation between the UK Defence Procurement and Support Agency (DE&S), Navantia UK, and BMT.

Navantia UK, as the prime contractor, managed the design phase and integrated aspects like planning, procurement, and production engineering.

Fleet Solid Support (FSS) vessels

The Fleet Solid Support (FSS) vessels, each measuring 216 meters in length, will provide supplies and ammunition to Royal Navy ships. As some of the largest ships in the British fleet, they will follow the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. The FSS vessels will offer crucial logistical and operational support, including munitions, supplies, and provisions to the Royal Navy while at sea. They will also assist in counter-piracy and counter-terrorism missions and collaborate with allies on various operations.

Each FSS ship will have a core crew of 101 personnel, with additional accommodation for 80 more staff members who will operate helicopters, boats, or perform other roles as needed. The specifications for the vessels include a maximum speed of 19 knots, a range of 11,000 nautical miles, a beam of 34.5 meters, and a displacement of 39,000 tons.

The ships are designed with an emphasis on minimizing carbon emissions, incorporating energy-efficient technologies to decrease power consumption. They will also be adaptable for the use of low-carbon, non-fossil fuels and future sustainable energy sources, with a goal of achieving Carbon Zero status by the end of their 30-year operational lifespan.

Production of the first FSS is expected to begin in 2025 across three shipyards, with all three ships slated to enter service by 2032 after final equipment fits and military trials.

The FSS’s predecessor, RFA Fort Victoria, will continue operations to ensure solid support ship availability during the capability transition period.