Charting New Waters: BAE Systems Introduces the Janet Harvey Hall Revolutionizing Naval Design
A state-of-the-art new shipbuilding hall revolutionizing maritime construction on the Clyde has officially debuted at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow.
Named to honour one of the numerous women who took on crucial industrial roles during World War II, the inauguration ceremony of the Janet Harvey Hall in Govan celebrated the legacy of the past while outlining the thrilling future this multi-million-pound investment represents for the city.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Janet’s nieces collaborated with the Lord Provost to cut the ribbon across the expansive hall entrance—a symbolic act that officially inaugurated the facility and marked a transformative era for shipbuilding in Scotland.
The hall boasts the capacity to construct two Type 26 frigates side-by-side and measures 170m in length and 80m in width, featuring two 100-tonne cranes alongside two additional 20-tonne cranes inside. Currently, HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are under construction in this hall, while HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff are being outfitted at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun site further up the River Clyde, and steel has already been cut for HMS Sheffield.
Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships division, stated: “The Janet Harvey Hall signifies a significant advancement for shipbuilding in Glasgow and will support efficient and secure ship construction for years to come. It stands as a testament of pride not just for our talented workforce who bring these vessels to fruition, but for the entire city.”
Designed to accommodate as many as 500 employees per shift, this new facility will enhance BAE Systems’ shipbuilding capabilities, allowing warships to be constructed in Glasgow fully sheltered for the first time, thereby ensuring that operations remain unaffected by inclement weather.
The hall, which will aid in enhancing schedule efficiency and shortening the time between ship deliveries, is a key component of the £300m modernization and digital transformation of BAE Systems’ facilities in Glasgow, playing an essential role in delivering eight Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy.
Stephen Charlick, MOD DE&S Type 26 Resident Project Officer, remarked: “Safeguarding the United Kingdom and its interests against evolving global threats necessitates advanced vessels like the Type 26 frigate, and the investment by our industry partner, BAE Systems, reaffirms the dedication to equipping our armedforces.
“The Janet Harvey Hall introduces an enhanced methodology to warship assembly and outfitting, fostering quality throughout the building process, and this strategy aligns with the Royal Navy’s consistent demand for timely deliveries of vessels.”
