Key Takeaways
- The UK and the Netherlands have agreed to jointly procure a new class of amphibious transport ships under a £2.4 billion programme, each nation receiving four vessels.
- The ships, based on a Dutch design, will be 160 m long, 15 000 t, and feature flight decks for current and future uncrewed and autonomous systems.
- UK shipbuilder Balaena has positioned itself as a prime contractor, citing its Birkenhead and North‑East facilities, recent work on the Type 26 frigate and Queen Elizabeth‑class carriers, and a strong commercial order book.
- The programme supersedes the UK’s earlier Multi‑Role Strike Ship concept and is expected to stimulate competition among major British yards, including Navantia UK (Harland & Wolff).
- Successful delivery will strengthen UK shipbuilding communities, deepen UK‑Netherlands defence ties, and enhance NATO’s amphibious capability.
Overview of the Joint Procurement Decision
The United Kingdom and the Netherlands have formally agreed to procure a new class of amphibious transport ships through a £2.4 billion programme. Announced during a NATO leaders’ meeting in Ankara on 7 July, the deal was signed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. Under the arrangement, each country will operate four of the vessels, which will be constructed in UK shipyards using a Dutch‑origin design. Balaena, a UK‑based shipbuilder, welcomed the agreement as a major opportunity for British shipbuilding that will bolster global security, deepen bilateral defence cooperation, and support jobs across the nation’s shipbuilding communities.
Technical Specifications and Operational Role
The new amphibious transport ships will measure 160 metres in length and displace approximately 15 000 tonnes. Their design includes a flight deck capable of handling both current and future long‑range uncrewed and autonomous aerial systems, reflecting the evolving nature of maritime logistics. The vessels are intended to transport troops, vehicles, equipment, and drones, providing a versatile sealift capability that can support amphibious operations, humanitarian missions, and naval task force sustainment. By incorporating provisions for emerging autonomous technologies, the ships aim to remain relevant amid rapid technological change in naval warfare.
Balaena’s Readiness and Industrial Capacity
Simon Gillett, Chief Executive of Balaena, emphasized that the company is prepared to build the 160‑metre vessels at its major construction facilities in Birkenhead and the North East of England. He noted that these sites possess the industrial capability and capacity required for complex warship construction. Gillett highlighted Balaena’s ongoing delivery of major military platforms for the UK, reinforcing confidence that the firm can meet the programme’s demanding schedules and quality standards while contributing to national defence objectives.
Evidence of Recent Naval Expertise
To substantiate its claim of readiness, Gillett pointed to Balaena’s recent involvement in high‑profile naval projects. In 2026 the company delivered key structural components for the Type 26 frigate programme and contributed to other Sovereign defence platforms on behalf of BAE Systems. Additionally, Balaena has previously supplied significant units for the Queen Elizabeth‑class aircraft carriers. These experiences, according to Gillett, demonstrate the firm’s ability to handle large‑scale, technically challenging warship builds and to integrate effectively within the UK defence supply chain.
Commercial Shipbuilding Strength and Supply Chain Readiness
Beyond defence work, Balaena’s commercial shipbuilding portfolio remains robust. The CEO announced that in 2026 the company will also deliver three commercial ferries: the Royal Daffodil for Mersey Travel and two ferries for Western Ferries. This diversified order book underscores the yard’s sustained operational capacity and financial stability. Gillett affirmed that Balaena, together with its established UK supply chain, is ready to participate in the amphibious transport ship programme, anticipating positive impacts on workforce employment and the broader shipbuilding communities throughout the United Kingdom.
Programme Context: Replacing Earlier Concepts
The newly announced amphibious transport ship initiative supersedes the UK’s earlier Multi‑Role Strike Ship (MRSS) concept, which had envisaged up to six vessels to replace the Albion‑class landing platform docks, the Bay‑class landing ships, and RFA Argus. Budget constraints subsequently scaled back those plans, leading to a revised requirement that aligns more closely with the Dutch‑led design. By adopting a proven Dutch hull form and integrating UK industrial participation, the programme seeks to deliver a cost‑effective, capable sealift solution while preserving strategic amphibious lift capability for the Royal Navy.
Competitive Landscape Among UK Shipyards
Balaena is not the sole British yard expressing interest in the construction contracts. Navantia UK, which owns Harland & Wolff in Belfast, has also issued a statement signalling its intent to compete for a share of the work. This sets the stage for a competitive bidding process among the UK’s major shipbuilders, potentially driving innovation, cost efficiency, and further investment in domestic maritime industrial capacity. The outcome will likely influence the distribution of work across regions such as Merseyside, Tyneside, and Belfast, reinforcing the national shipbuilding base.
Strategic Implications for Security and Industry
The joint procurement effort carries broader strategic significance beyond the immediate shipbuilding contracts. By fielding a modern amphibious transport fleet, the UK and the Netherlands enhance NATO’s ability to project power, conduct littoral operations, and respond swiftly to crises. The programme is expected to generate skilled jobs, stimulate supply‑chain activity, and preserve critical warship‑building expertise in the UK. Moreover, the collaboration deepens defence ties between London and Amsterdam, setting a precedent for future multinational defence acquisitions that leverage complementary national strengths while bolstering collective security.