DLA Piper advises Ministry of Defence on the high-profile procurement of GBP1.6 billion shipbuilding contract

Global law firm DLA Piper has advised the UK Ministry of Defence on all aspects of the competitive procurement and contractual negotiations associated with the GBP1.6 billion Fleet Solid Support ships programme. The award of the manufacture contract will see Team Resolute, a combined shipbuilding offer from BMT, Harland & Wolff and Navantia UK, deliver three crucial Fleet Solid Support Ships to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary that will provide munitions, stores and provisions to the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, frigates, and destroyers and be assembled at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast shipyard. Production is due to commence in 2025, with the three ships expected to be operational by 2032. The ships will be equipped with energy efficient technologies and have been designed to support net carbon zero by the end of their service.

Colin Wilson, Partner and Head of International Projects at DLA Piper, comments: “We were delighted to once again support the Ministry of Defence through a major competitive procurement for an extremely significant and strategic project for the UK and the defence and shipbuilding sectors.” The DLA Piper team, as led by Colin Wilson, included Owen Knight (Senior Associate) and Victoria Rogers (Trainee Solicitor).