Ship’s slip could be the last splash

Monday 11 October 2010

Ship’s slip could be the last splash

A Clyde-built warship is expected to slip into the history books when it is launched at Govan this afternoon.

HMS Duncan could be the last to be given a traditional launch by sliding down a slipway.

Yard bosses at BAE Systems Surface Ships admit they may scupper a tradition that dates back more than 200 years.

A spokesman said today: “This could be our last dynamic launch but it certainly won’t be our last launch. “There is sufficient technology now to make it a much better and safer way of doing it.” Bosses are looking at two options: building vessels in dry docks that can be filled with water on launch days, or simply constructing ships on top of rafts. HMS Duncan is the last of the Type 45 fleet of destroyers that have been built at the Scotstoun and Govan yards. The £6billion contract sparked what became known as the rebirth of Clyde shipbuilding. Thousands of spectators will watch the launch at Govan today, before the ship makes the short journey to the Scotstoun yard for outfitting. It is likely to be another two years before the warship is handed over to the Royal Navy. But the launch will be held against a backdrop of uncertainty over the future of the Clyde’s two warship yards. There are fears the UK Government will sink plans for a new aircraft carrier. Clyde union leaders predict at least 2000 workers could be made redundant. Workers are expected to know their fate within the next seven days.

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