Defence Secretary Des Browne has witnessed the start of an investment project to modify the dockyard at Rosyth, in preparation for the assembly of the two Royal Navy super carriers.

The two 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are to be constructed in sections in shipyards at Portsmouth and Barrow-in-Furness, Glasgow, with final assembly at Babcock’s Rosyth in Scotland.

Des Browne witnessed the signing of a £35m contract on Monday, by Babcock Engineering Services with Glasgow-based subcontractors Edmund Nuttall Limited to modify the docks in order to accommodate the building if the carriers and widen its direct entrance.

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The total investment in Rosyth will total £50m, which will also provide for the necessary equipment to be purchased, such as the 'Goliath' crane, the largest in the UK, as well as hauling gear.

Defence Secretary, Des Browne said: "This is a significant investment in shipbuilding in Rosyth and a symbol of our commitment to the two new aircraft carriers, which will which will be the largest ships ever sailed by the Royal Navy."

The CEO of Babcock International Group plc, Peter Rogers and the Babcock Marine CEO, Archie Bethel OBE were also on hand to witness the start of this important project. Peter Rogers said: "The award of this contract is the culmination of a great deal of hard work by the Babcock Marine team and Edmund Nuttall together with our colleagues in the Aircraft Carrier Alliance including the Ministry of Defence, to ensure that the Rosyth site is ready to play its part in what is the most exciting and largest defence project for many years."

(JM)