Domestic yard loses survey vessel

Uncertainty again hangs over Appledore Shipbuilders in England with the loss of a hoped-for £30 million order which has been awarded to a Norwegian shipbuilder and sparking a Transatlantic row.

Following the loss of this order, a local politician has condemned the role of KBR, the American owners of Appledore’s parent company DML Devonport, who are accused of failing to approve the contract on time. He said: “I am extremely concerned at KBR’s evident want of commitment to supporting Appledore shipyard. The shipyard is of such importance to the local community and economy and I am distressed that KBR has not matched its promises of support for the shipyard by assisting Appledore’s bid for the survey vessel. The news is a heavy blow to the entire workforce after their strenuous efforts to secure the vessel.”

The matter has been raised with the Secretary of State for Defence to conduct an urgent inquiry into the loss of the contract. The expected order for the survey vessel would have removed the spectre of redundancies which has been hanging over the yard since the loss of another order in May.

Earlier this year, a £10 million patrol vessel for Scottish Fisheries was snatched away when the Scottish Executive stopped the tendering process. Workers have since been largely employed on works provided for them by parent company DML of Devonport while awaiting a vital order of their own.

The workforce is now pinning its hopes in the New Year when the outcome is expected on negotiations for a super yacht.