Navantia UK backs local marine design talent to deliver Seahorse
Fife-based Alexander Marine Design, led by experienced naval architect and former Harland & Wolff shipbuilder Andrew Alexander, provided specialist naval architecture and design support during the development of the vessel.
Seahorse arrived at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard in North Devon last month to begin supporting the construction of three new Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The 85-metre, 1,400-tonne barge was delivered on budget and in just eight months from first steel cut to christening. She will transport major ship blocks and components between Appledore and Belfast, supporting Navantia UK’s distributed build strategy for the Fleet Solid Support programme.
Alexander Marine Design worked closely with Navantia UK’s engineering and production teams to develop a practical and buildable vessel suited to the requirements of the programme.
Based in Newport-on-Tay, the consultancy is led by Andrew Alexander, who has more than 25 years of experience in ship design, construction and commissioning across the UK and international maritime industries.
Andrew began his career at Ferguson Shipbuilders and later spent four years at Harland & Wolff in Belfast, where Seahorse will now deliver ship blocks for final assembly as part of the Fleet Solid Support programme.
Andrew Alexander, Owner and Naval Architect at Alexander Marine Design, said:
“Seahorse is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a shipyard works closely with experienced local designers and gives them the opportunity to contribute to a major national programme.
“Having previously worked at Harland & Wolff, it is particularly meaningful to have helped design a vessel that will support shipbuilding activity there. It also brings together several important parts of my own career in Scottish and UK shipbuilding.”
Seahorse was built by Navantia UK’s workforce at Methil, with apprentices working alongside experienced welders, platers, engineers and project managers throughout the build.
Steve Chisholm, General Manager at Methil, said:
“Navantia UK is committed to backing the talent, expertise and businesses located around our yards, and Seahorse shows the value that local specialists can bring to major shipbuilding programmes.
“By working with companies such as Alexander Marine Design, we are not only delivering individual projects. We are helping rebuild the wider network of designers, engineers, manufacturers and skilled workers needed to sustain shipbuilding in the UK for the long term.”
Since Navantia UK took ownership of the Methil yard, its workforce has grown from approximately 180 to 260 people. Investment is also being made in the facilities, equipment and skills required to support a sustainable pipeline of future work.
Navantia UK continues to prioritise collaboration with local partners as it delivers the FSS programme, ensuring economic value is retained within the UK while strenthening sovereign shipbuilding capability.
