Supplying BAE Systems and the Type 26 Frigate Programme

Denholm Industrial Services Secures Painting Contract from BAE Systems for Type 26 Global Combat Ships

Denholm Industrial Services is pleased to announce it has been awarded a multi-year contract from BAE Systems for surface preparation and painting of the new Type 26 Global Combat Ships for the Royal Navy.

The Type 26 frigate is an advanced, highly capable and versatile multi-mission anti-submarine warship.  Denholm Industrial Services’ expertise in surface preparation, its precision techniques in applying maritime-grade paint and its track record of delivering a quality product will enhance the performance of the protective coating and minimise through-life maintenance of the Type 26 frigates. 

With the contract running for four years, Denholm Industrial Services has sought to invest in industry leading technology that will not only enhance delivery of a quality product to its customers, BAE Systems and the Royal Navy, but will greatly reduce the environmental impact that traditional work methods would have.  For example, custom built electrical-powered compressors will reduce to zero the emissions associated with traditional diesel-powered machines that normally would be used.

The painting contract will also benefit local communities through increased employment.  At its peak, Denholm Industrial Services will employ around 80 personnel to undertake this contract.  It is anticipated that a large percentage will be drawn from the local labour force, which has decades of experience in delivering high quality workmanship at the Govan and Scotstoun shipyards, where the Type 26 ships will be built.  Denholm Industrial Services is also a supporter of apprenticeships across its UK business and plans to add further apprentices to its workforce through this contract, as it seeks to provide invaluable work experience, training and career development to young people.

Denholm Industrial Services Managing Director, Steve Hill, said: “I am delighted that BAE Systems selected Denholm Industrial Services for surface preparation and painting of the first Type 26 frigates.  The contract award is testament to our track record of working on naval and combat vessels, which spans over two decades.  As well as our skills and methodologies, the approach and commitment of our employees to safety and quality will enable us to deliver this contract to a superior standard, while also seeking to benefit local communities. The Type 26 award further enhances our relationship with BAE Systems as we continue to support their submarine build programmes in Barrow-in-Furness.”

Ronan Donaghey, Senior Programme Manager, BAE Systems said: “We look forward to working together across this prestigious programme, which is an integral part of securing the UK’s future in ship building and advancing the Royal Navy’s defence capabilities.”

Two of the Batch 1 Type 26 ships, which will be named HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff, are already under construction with the third, HMS Belfast, commencing next year.  A total class of eight Type 26 frigates is intended, with the planned Batch 2 ships being named  HMS Birmingham, HMS Sheffield, HMS Newcastle, HMS Edinburgh and HMS London.

Photo credit: BAE Systems