The Government has announced that three new floating docks for Britain's nuclear submarine fleet will be built in the UK through a competition restricted to British industry.
The docks will support maintenance, inspection, repair and upgrade work for Royal Navy submarines at HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane.
The procurement forms part of Programme Euston and is being presented by the Government as part of a wider drive to use public spending to support British jobs, skills and industrial capability.
UK-only competition for submarine docks
The Government says the competition to construct the three floating docks will be restricted to UK suppliers because of national-security considerations and the importance of maintaining sovereign industrial capability.
The facilities will support Britain's current and future nuclear submarine fleet and provide additional infrastructure for long-term maintenance and support.
The announcement confirms that the docks are to be constructed in Britain, although the winning supplier or suppliers and final contract values will depend on the procurement process.
New infrastructure at Faslane
The floating docks are intended for HM Naval Base Clyde, the home of the UK's nuclear deterrent submarine force.
They will provide facilities for maintenance, inspection, repair and upgrades as Britain continues investment in its submarine fleet and supporting infrastructure.
The Government says the programme will strengthen the domestic industrial base needed to sustain strategically important naval capabilities.
£115m marine research vessel also to be built in Britain
The wider maritime package also includes at least £115 million for a new marine research vessel.
The Government says that vessel must also be built in a British shipyard.
Together with the submarine-dock programme and other maritime investment, ministers say the package represents billions of pounds of potential work for UK industry.
Government links defence spending to British jobs
Ministers are increasingly seeking to connect defence and public procurement with wider economic and industrial policy.
The Government says major contracts should support domestic employment, apprenticeships, skills and supply chains where British industry has the capability to deliver.
The UK-only competition for the submarine docks is a particularly significant example because foreign suppliers will not compete for the work.
Part of wider shipbuilding strategy
The announcement comes alongside plans to strengthen coordination of government shipbuilding and maritime procurement.
The National Shipbuilding Office is being given greater oversight of civil shipbuilding across government, while ministers have pledged to make greater use of procurement to support British industrial capacity.
The confirmed commitment is that all three submarine floating docks will be built in Britain under a UK-only competition. Individual contract awards, costs and detailed construction schedules will follow through the procurement process.