BAE Syatems to partner with BMT and DSME for MARS fleet tanker
A consortium led by BAE Systems has today submitted its response to the Ministry of Defence’s Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire (PQQ) to design and build up to six fleet tankers for the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The company will partner with BMT Defence Services Ltd and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (DSME) to bid for the contract for the ships, the first part of the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) programme.
BAE Systems through its Surface Fleet Solutions business will act as lead contractor and programme manager, BMT will be the design partner and the ships are planned to be built by DSME in Korea. This approach combines the best global experience in both commercial and military shipbuilding.
While it is intended that all vessels will be constructed in Korea, a unique feature the consortium offers, in terms of flexibility, is the ability to provide UK build options, should such an approach become necessary.
The MARS programme will become part of the workload of the proposed maritime joint venture between BAE Systems and VT Group, to be called BVT Surface Fleet, upon its completion.