Cammell Laird lands £200m contract

CAMMELL Laird in Birkenhead has been selected as the preferred bidder to build a state-of-the-art £200m polar research ship that will maintain the UK’s position firmly at the forefront of climate and ocean research.

The announcement by the Government follows a 12-month competitive tender process which involved bids from companies in the UK, Europe and the Far East.

The winning project will create jobs and apprenticeships and provide a significant economic boost to Merseyside.

The shipyard is expected to cut steel in autumn 2016 and deliver the next generation polar research vessel ready for operation by 2019.

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “As a One Nation Government we are investing in science capital on a record scale.

“This £200m investment secures the UK’s position as a world leader in polar research and provides a major boost to shipbuilding in the North West.

“Britain has long been a pioneer in ocean science, shipbuilding and manufacturing. Cammell Laird’s success in this competition is testament to this expertise and our commitment to continue pushing the boundaries in marine science.”