Earlier this week, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram visited Cammell Laird to see the progress being made on the £200m RRS Sir David Attenborough polar research ship, which is being built right here in the Liverpool City Region.
The £200m ship is due to set sail in 2019 and will provide the UK with the most advanced floating research capability in the world, conducting vital research into the world’s oceans and how we address climate change. Its construction has also supported 400 jobs and 60 apprentices.
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “To see first-hand the construction of this ship was truly inspiring. It is one of the most advanced ships of its type in the world and it’s fantastic that the facilities, skills, knowledge and expertise to build this vessel are here in the Liverpool City Region.
“It is also providing invaluable training and employment opportunities for our residents in this highly skilled sector.”
During his visit, the Metro Mayor also heard about Cammell Laird’s plans for its new division called Cammell Laird Energy. This division aims to become the leading UK industrial manufacturer providing expertise in off-site module assembly, commissioning and logistics services for the energy and related sectors including nuclear, wind, tidal and utilities.
Working with institutions and companies across the Liverpool City Region, the division will apply the most advanced industry practices to integrate the design and assembly of complex modules weighing up to 5000 tonnes, where Cammell Laird benefits from its coastal location.
The Metro Mayor also visited the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) located on the Cammell Laird site in Birkenhead, which focusses on modular manufacturing technologies.
The Nuclear AMRC also provides supplier development programmes and has worked with hundreds of businesses to help them become more competitive and solve manufacturing problems across the energy sector and other quality-critical industries.
Mr Rotheram added: “My visit has once again reaffirmed my views that the Liverpool City Region has the ambition and skills to grow our local economy with the commitment and talent to deliver. I look forward to see Cammell Laird’s work progress over the coming months and years.”
Jonathan Brown, Managing Director of Cammell Laird’s new Energy Division said: “We are delighted that the Metro Mayor was able to visit our facilities and see first-hand the work underway and hear about our future plans. We were really encouraged by the vision and ambition that Steve has for the City Region and look forward to fully contributing to the provision of high quality employment and the sustainable development of our economy.”