Houlder has been supporting Prevail Partners in the development of a multi-role Future Littoral Strike Ship (FLSS) concept. This is in response to a requirement outlined by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson in February this year.

Houlder has worked alongside a strong consortium of European companies including Siem Industries (ship leasing), Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (shipbuilding), Vestdavit (boat davits), Prism Defence (helicopter-ship integration) and Clarksons Platou (shipping support) to deliver and equip the vessel.

The FLSS has been evolved from an earlier Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) pre-concept study undertaken between 2017-2018. Conducted by the MoD’s Naval Design Partnering (NDP) team, the MRSS study was tasked to consider options for replacing the LPDs, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark as well as other amphibious capabilities. The FLSS are intended to be procured quickly to complement the LPDs, rather than replace them. The FLSS is unlikely to fly the White Ensign and may either be operated as a Royal Fleet Auxiliary, or more likely run as a government-chartered vessel.

Houlder has provided Prevail Partners with the required naval architecture design and analysis to prove their MRV concept. The MRV is based on the FSG 4100 ro-ro ship that is already in commercial service. Four of the original six Point Class vessels in service with the MoD were built by FSG to a Houlder design. The 7,500 tonne DWT vessel uses an efficient hull form that has good seakeeping qualities. Simple twin diesels will propel the ship up to 20 knots with an endurance of 28 days and 10,000nm. There are about 2,428 lane-meters available for vehicles and the vessel can accommodate an embarked military force of up to 400, although the ship’s core crew requirement would be just 35. The vessel is compliant with SOLAS Passenger Ship Rules, being fitted with davit-launched lifeboats, rescue boats and life-rafts.

You can read more about the project here. Members of the Prevail Partners and Houlder team will be at London’s Defence & Security Equipment International event this week.