The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a £230m contract with BVT Surface Fleet to continue shipbuilding and to support the future of the industry in the UK.

Under the 15-year contract, the company will support the design, build and integration aspects on the assigned MoD shipbuilding programmes including six type-45 destroyers, for which BVT is the main contractor, as well as the construction of two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

The agreement aims at reducing the cost of warship building and delivering efficiency savings for the UK taxpayer amounting to £350m, while still maintaining key industrial capabilities.

BVT Surface Fleet is a maritime joint venture between BAE Systems and VT Group.