CAMMELL Laird has won a contract to improve power generation on the Royal Navy's Type 45 Destroyers after entering into partnership with BAE Systems.

The Type 45 Power Improvement Programme will involve replacing two diesel generators, fitting an additional diesel generator and modifying the high voltage system on each ship.

Linton Roberts, managing director at Cammell Laird, said: "Cammell Laird is delighted and proud to have been selected to undertake the Type 45 Power Improvement Programme in partnership with BAE Systems and BMT.

"This highly collaborative approach is very much in line with the Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy by maximising the effectiveness of the complementary expertise and experience of each partner.

"The Ministry of Defence has driven a challenging competition for this contract, and we are confident that our Alliance will deliver a very innovative technical solution to the Royal Navy."

The BAE Systems-led team competed in and won both lots, with work set to begin immediately.

The installation and replacement of equipment is planned to take place at Cammell Laird’s shipyard in Birkenhead, before harbour and sea trials will enable the ships to return to their home at Portsmouth Naval Base, where they will return to Royal Navy operations supported by BAE Systems.

The Type 45 destroyers are the United Kingdom’s most advanced air defence warship and resolving the power and propulsion issues will allow the Royal Navy to carry out its full range of operations to protect UK and NATO interests anywhere around the world, with confidence in the power and propulsion system.

David Mitchard, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime Services, said: "We are immensely proud to support the Royal Navy’s Type 45 fleet whether at home or on deployment around the world.

"By combining the collective knowledge, experience and skills of BAE Systems, Cammell Laird and BMT we are demonstrating our commitment to present a robust technical solution with an innovative commercial alliance.

"Our aim is to rapidly restore command confidence in the power and propulsion system of the Type 45 fleet, demonstrate value for money and safeguard vital skills for future generations of warship support."

Jeremy Berwick, managing director of BMT Defence and Security, said: "We firmly believe in the power of teamwork and this agreement sets the seal on the coming together of three highly complementary partners to form the very best team.

“We look forward to working with our partners to deliver a fresh, lean and rapid solution for the Royal Navy.”

Leader of Wirral Council Phil Davies said: “This is another great win for Wirral. Cammell Laird is an important part of Wirral’s business growth so this is fantastic news for the company and Wirral and Merseyside’s wider economy. Congratulations to all involved in this success.

“This latest contract should not only protect existing jobs at the shipyard but lead to more opportunities in the future as Cammell Laird and its local supply chain compete for more Ministry of Defence work.

“Wirral Council will continue to play its part in supporting Cammell Laird and other local businesses to attract more investment, jobs and training opportunities to Wirral.”