BAE Systems Strengthens Its Global Maritime Business

BAE Systems acquired VT Group’s 45% shareholding in BVT Surface Fleet Limited on 30 October 2009. The business is now wholly owned by BAE Systems and has been renamed BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited.

Nigel Whitehead, BAE Systems’ Group Managing Director, Programmes & Support, said: "Bringing BVT into full ownership of BAE Systems further strengthens our global maritime business and is consistent with our strategy to establish a sustainable and profitable through life business in air, land and sea. Surface Ships has a solid order book, a clear strategy to transform the UK maritime sector and a commitment to deliver existing and future programmes.

“Our 15 year Terms of Business Agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence will sustain key industry capabilities in the UK and provides a strong platform on which to build future domestic and international business.”

BAE Systems’ Surface Ships business is a leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of surface ships and their support vessels. It delivers complex engineering, integration and through-life support across the lifecycle of a ship.

Over 7,000 people work for the Surface Ships business in the UK, which has the facilities, skills and partnerships to set the global standard in excellence as a trusted and innovative through-life surface ship partner in both the UK and international markets.



Ongoing international programmes include:

BAE Systems established a new joint venture in the Middle East with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) in July 2009.

The new company, named Gulf Logistics and Naval Support LLC (GLNS), offers a complete range of integrated logistics support and training services as well as outsourcing solutions for base facilities. Potential customers include navies, coast guards, marine police, homeland security organisations, special forces and other key commercial customers, initially in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan and Egypt, with the potential to expand to other countries and regions as agreed by the shareholders.

ADSB holds a 70% shareholding in the Abu Dhabi based joint venture while BAE Systems holds 30%. Together the companies provide a powerful combination of regional presence, established naval shipbuilding and support capability, and unparalleled experience in providing through-life naval support services. The venture will support new partnerships and alliances in customer countries and the transfer of technologies, processes, systems and skills including the recruitment and training of the respective national workforces.



Government of the Republic of Trindad & Tobago

BAE Systems has a £150 million contract to build, integrate, test and commission (up to sea trials) three 90 metre Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Under the programme the defence company will also provide training and a five year in-service support package, while the UK Ministry of Defence is providing advice to the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and operational sea training to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard crews.

Tremendous progress has been made on the vessels throughout this year, which culminated in the naming of the first vessel Port of Spain in a ceremony on 18 November, quickly followed by the launch and naming of the second vessel Scarborough on 19 November. Work is also well underway on the third and final ship, San Fernando and all three ships are set to be delivered to the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard in 2010.

The three vessels will perform a range of Economic Exclusion Zone management, special operations and maritime law enforcement tasks. The first of the ships is being constructed at BAE Systems’ Portsmouth facility, while the second and third vessels are being built at its yards on the Clyde.



Royal Navy of Oman

Project Khareef covers the design, build and supply of three 99 metre Offshore Patrol Vessels and associated equipment and services, including integrated logistics, such as handbooks and training, for the Royal Navy of Oman.

These landmark vessels are designed to meet and augment the operational capabilities of the Royal Navy of Oman and will be the most advanced of their type in the world when completed. They are designed for endurance, with the ability to operate for long periods in high seas and the capability to embark a helicopter during deployment. The first ship, Al Shamikh, was launched in July this year, with the second and third ships due to launch in 2010.


Thailand design contract

BAE Systems signed a design contract with Bangkok Dock for the supply of a design of a 90 metre Offshore Patrol Vessel for the Royal Thai Navy in June 2009.
The design is a development of an existing BAE Systems Offshore Patrol Vessel design and will be adapted by Bangkok Dock to suit the specific requirements of the Royal Thai Navy.

Under the agreement, the vessel will be built in Thailand and BAE Systems will transfer design knowledge, technology and shipbuilding skills to Thai engineers to help support the growth of a sustainable shipbuilding capability in Thailand.

The multi-mission Offshore Patrol Vessel will be responsible for protection of the Economic Exclusion Zone, fishery protection, disaster relief and search and rescue in the region.