CAMMELL Laird can now bid for contracts to build warships after signing a partnership deal with engineering firm BAE Systems.

The 'teaming agreement' has been formed in response to a Ministry of Defence request for information and will now be part of a competitive tender process.

The agreement will see the Birkenhead yard will act as prime contractor to build the Type 31e Frigates with BAE Systems providing warship design, engineering capability and combat systems expertise.

Cammell Laird CEO John Syvret CBE (pictured, below) said the company, which is the UK's largest and most successful commercial shipbuilder, is proposing an innovative frigate design, known as 'Leander', based on existing and proven BAE Systems’ naval ship designs.

He continued: "Our commercial approach to design selection on merit ensures that Leander meets the T31e requirements with a high level of adaptability to attract the widest range of international customers.

"This approach means Cammell Laird can offer huge agility for both UK and international customers through our consortia fabrication facilities in Birkenhead, Glasgow, Newcastle and Falmouth.

Wirral Globe:

"We will offer a UK warship design, a UK combat system, a UK build and a supply chain with high UK content.

"We will be working with BAE Systems' design teams to deliver certainty, speed and agility on this nationally-important project.

"Cammell Laird is proud to be responding as Prime Contractor and we believe we have a T31e offer which will generate further export opportunity."

John Hudson, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime, said: "We are pleased to be working with Cammell Laird with whom we have a strong and effective relationship, having worked with them on the Carrier and Astute programmes.

"We believe our expertise in warship design and engineering capability, combat management systems and export campaigns, together with Cammell Laird, means we are in an excellent position to contribute to the success of the Type 31e programme".

Last month, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon unveiled an ambitious National Shipbuilding Strategy to meet the challenge set by Sir John Parker last November in his review of the sector.

Sir John's independent report into British naval shipbuilding proposed far-reaching recommendations to transform the UK maritime industry and boost the prosperity of regions, shipyards and maritime supply chains across the country.