BAE Systems expands Glasgow facility with Janet Harvey Hall

BAE Systems has opened a new shipbuilding hall at its facility in Glasgow, in a bid to improve schedule performance while reducing typical times between ship deliveries.

Named the Janet Harvey Hall, in memory of a female electrician who worked in shipyards on the Clyde during WW2, the 170m-long, 80m-wide new space has the capacity to build two Type 26 frigates side-by-side. HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are currently under construction in the hall, BAE Systems says.

Janet Harvey Hall is also equipped with two 100tonne-capacity and two 20tonne-capacity cranes, and can accommodate up to 500 workers per shift. The opening of the hall is a first for Glasgow, enabling warship construction under cover for the first time, thus eliminating the need for downtime in harsh wind and rain.

The hall was established as part of BAE Systems’ £300 million modernisation and digitalisation programme. According to Stephen Charlick, MoD DE&S Type 26 resident project officer: “Protecting the UK and its interests from evolving global threats requires state-of-the-art vessels like the Type 26 frigate…the investment by our partner, BAE Systems, underscores the commitment to equipping our armed forces.

“The Janet Harvey Hall brings an improved approach to warship assembly and outfit, driving quality throughout the build, and this approach supports regular delivery of vessels in line with the Royal Navy need.”