A NEW fleet of Royal Navy ships could be made in the North-East, it can be revealed.

Sir John Parker has recommended A&P Tyne, in South Tyneside, as a base for the construction of the new Type 31e vessels.

The shipbuilding expert said the new vessel should be designed to suit both the needs of the Royal Navy, and to maximise export opportunities.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Sir John said the Tyne was “more than capable” of competing for the work.

“The Tyne has done some sophisticated work for submarines.

“The skills of the workers are clear to see - I have been very impressed by their entrepreneurial attitude and their willingness to embrace change."

Sir John published an independent report today (November 29) which set out recommendations to transform the UK’s shipbuilding industry and boost the prosperity of shipyards and supply chains across the country.

The Tyne has played an important role in building Royal Navy vessels in the past, with steel for the fifth version of the Ark Royal cut at Swan Hunter's Wallsend shipyard in 1978.

Work to transform the former Swan Hunter shipyard into a 1000-job hub for subsea and offshore energy manufacturing companies was completed earlier this year.

Sir John said work, if approved, could begin at the Tyne in around two years.

“It is my job to recommend the right strategic model, and the government will come back next year with their plans.

“The design work can then get underway. Preliminary work has already started, and then the serious engineering work can begin."

In his report, Sir John recommended building different components of the vessel across the country, before bringing them together in one “lead yard.”

He added that process will lead to reduced costs and construction time.

“There is a vibrant shipbuilding and marine engineering sector in the UK – industry is heading in the right direction in terms of competitiveness and innovation.”

Other sites across the UK Sir John recommended for ship building work included Devon, Merseyside, Belfast and Clyde – where work on the Type 26 vessel will take place.

“The aim is we can create a series of ships suitable for the Royal Navy and that will also bring us long and successful export work.

“It can drive prosperity across the country with highly skilled jobs in ship building and the supply chain.”

Defence Secretary and former Darlington MP Michael Fallon said Sir John’s recommendations would ensure a strong naval shipbuilding sector.

“This report will inform our National Shipbuilding Strategy to match the needs of the Royal Navy with the ability to design and build efficiently, maintain skills, and maximise export opportunities.”

The government will produce its National Shipbuilding Strategy, with a full response to the recommendations, in spring 2017.