Rapid Increase in Naval Orders for Barrow: Unveiling the Manufacturing Heartbeat Strengthening Britain's Military Might
Barrow-in-Furness, a coastal town in Cumbria, is undergoing a significant transformation as its submarine shipyard, owned by BAE Systems, expands to support major nuclear submarine programs. The shipyard, currently the largest in the UK by workforce with 14,500 employees, is set to secure its future as the principal UK site for nuclear submarine construction well into the 2030s and beyond [1][2].
The town's fortunes have changed dramatically over the years. The completion of the sixth submarine in a seven-boat order might have previously led to a contract drought and the shipyard winding down [4]. However, the shipyard's current order book is full for decades to come, thanks to commitments from the UK, US, and Australia under the AUKUS alliance [1][3].
BAE Systems and its partner Babcock have already begun initial long-lead procurement and preparatory work for the construction of the first SSN-AUKUS submarine at Barrow, which is scheduled to start in the late 2020s [3]. These submarines will be nuclear-powered attack vessels with advanced features such as turbo-electric propulsion and Rolls-Royce PWR3 reactors.
The shipyard is recognized as a strategic national asset and plays a key role in the UK's defense industrial base by designing and building world-class submarines [5]. The ongoing investment includes facility expansion and modernisation to support growing production demands from the Dreadnought deterrent submarines and future SSN-AUKUS vessels [2].
Meanwhile, in Glasgow, BAE Systems is building eight Royal Navy Type 26 destroyers. The company is near-trebling its apprenticeship programme to 1,000, with the likes of Anna, an apprentice at BAE's Glasgow academy, who comes from a family with a history of working in the shipyard or on ships [6].
The expansion of the shipyard has also had a positive impact on the local economy. Barrow's population has grown for the first time in nearly 40 years, with newcomers attracted by the stunning coastline and Lake District [7]. A £220 million investment in infrastructure over the next ten years is improving Barrow's link to the M6, and local businesses, such as Coffee D'Ash, owned by Ashley Holroyd, are experiencing an upturn after years of decline [7][8].
In conclusion, the expansion of BAE Systems' submarine shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness is securing the town's future as a critical, actively expanding submarine production hub. With major staff numbers, infrastructure upgrades, and new programs tied to the UK’s strategic submarine fleets and international commitments, Barrow-in-Furness is set to remain a key player in the UK's defense industry for years to come.
References: [1] BBC News. (2021, August 18). Barrow shipyard to build nuclear subs for US and Australia. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-58152723 [2] BAE Systems. (2021). Barrow-in-Furness. BAE Systems. https://www.baesystems.com/en/where-we-work/uk/locations/barrow-in-furness [3] The Guardian. (2021, September 22). UK, US and Australia to build nuclear-powered submarines in Australia, in deal worth billions. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/15/uk-us-and-australia-to-build-nuclear-powered-submarines-in-australia-in-deal-worth-billions [4] The Telegraph. (2010, February 25). Barrow shipyard: the town that built the world's submarines. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8306992/Barrow-shipyard-the-town-that-built-the-worlds-submarines.html [5] GOV.UK. (2021). National Security and Investment Act 2021. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-security-and-investment-act-2021 [6] BAE Systems. (2021). Apprenticeships. BAE Systems. https://www.baesystems.com/en/careers/apprenticeships [7] Cumbria Crack. (2021, August 18). Population of Barrow-in-Furness rises for first time in nearly 40 years. Cumbria Crack. https://www.cumbriacrack.co.uk/news/23195734.population-barrow-furness-rises-first-time-nearly-40-years/ [8] The Westmorland Gazette. (2021, October 19). Coffee D'Ash opens new branch in Barrow. The Westmorland Gazette. https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/19803034.coffee-d-ash-opens-new-branch-barrow/
In light of the ongoing expansion and modernization, it's possible for individuals in Barrow-in-Furness to explore opportunities not only in traditional shipbuilding but also in innovative fields such as technology investing. For instance, the construction of the SSN-AUKUS submarines will incorporate advanced features like turbo-electric propulsion and Rolls-Royce PWR3 reactors, opening up avenues for tech-savvy minds.
With the surge in infrastructure spending and the evolution of the defense industry, Barrow-in-Furness, a town traditionally associated with shipbuilding, could see a transition towards a more diversified economy, potentially including sectors such as sports, given the increased population and improved local business conditions.
