Dunfermline Press | News | Aircraft carrier contract signed at Rosyth

Friday, 5th September, 2008

Published: Thursday, 3rd July, 2008 12:00

Aircraft carrier contract signed at Rosyth

By Gary Fitzpatrick

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THE contract for the CVF aircraft carriers – the Royal Navy’s biggest ever marine defence project – was signed at Rosyth Dockyard today (Thursday).

Armed forces minister Bob Ainsworth put pen to paper to give the green light for the £3.8 billion programme which will see HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales assembled at Rosyth Dockyard maintaining 1600 jobs up to 2016 when the second vessel will be launched.

Hundreds looked on at the ceremony in a dockside marquee including apprentices at the yard and local schoolchildren who may one day work on the carriers.

In the background work continued on the carriers’ dock which is being specially widened to accommodate the huge vessels.

Babcock Marine managing director John Howie said, “It’s a major event in Rosyth’s history and for the Fife region.”

Mr Howie thanked the workforce for their skill and dedication, adding, “They’ve been through difficult times over the past few years but there’s no doubt the workmanship that comes down from this facility is the envy of the UK.”

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