ROSYTH DOCKYARD’S £30 million offshore contract has been welcomed by Scottish politicians.
The news of Babcock’s contract to build subsea equipment signals there is life after work is completed on the MoD’s aircraft carriers, according to Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Willie Rennie.
The contract, which secures 100 jobs, was a credit to the company and its workforce, he said.
“Their track record on the construction of Heathrow’s Terminal Five and the outstanding performance on building the biggest ever Royal Navy ships the new super aircraft carriers will have helped to secure this contract.
“It will signal to other companies, both local and international, that Babcock Rosyth is a good place to do business.
“This is a positive signal that there is life in Rosyth after the aircraft carriers.”
Local MP Thomas Docherty said: “This is a hugely significant contract for Rosyth dockyard and the work of Mike Pettigrew and his team at Babcock is a major factor in why this contract has come to West Fife.”
The Dunfermline and West Fife Labour MP, a member of the Commons Defence Select Committee, added: “I was at the dockyard last week and it is clear that, while contracts like this are important, the defence work carried out at the dockyard underpins their order book.”
“I firmly believe that the construction of the international container terminal is the next important step in diversifying the range of work at the dockyard.
“However, it is important to remember that defence work will always be the foundation of activity in Rosyth.”
First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Babcock has a major presence in Scotland and a proud history of engineering excellence. Securing this latest contract is a testament to the skills and flexibility of its workforce in Rosyth, which will support Scotland’s economy, promote growth and sustain jobs in our world-leading oil and gas sector.”