A specialist welding facility to support shipbuilding on the River Clyde is set to move forward after the UK government confirmed £2.5m of additional funding.
The £11m project, led by Rolls Royce, will provide advanced welding capabilities for the construction and maintenance of Royal Navy submarines. The new centre will be operated in partnership with the University of Strathclyde and marine engineering firm Malin, which is developing the new Scottish Marine Technology Park at Old Kirkpatrick, near the Erskine Bridge.
The funding ensures progress on a project that had been uncertain earlier this year due to changes in public sector support. With the latest commitment, backers say the centre will enhance Scotland’s reputation in shipbuilding and marine engineering, while offering opportunities for research collaboration and skills development.
The announcement comes at a time of renewed momentum for naval shipbuilding in Scotland. Last month, BAE Systems in Glasgow confirmed a £10bn export order to build Type 26 frigates for the Norwegian Navy, while Babcock in Rosyth is pursuing international orders for its Type 31 frigates.
Scottish Enterprise said it had informal discussions with Malin about the project and continues to work with the Scottish Government on funding policy in this sector. Since 2006/07, more than £90m in support has been directed to companies operating in aerospace, defence and shipbuilding, with a focus on workforce development and skills as a strategic driver for Scotland’s economy.