29 Mar 2007
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Lyme Bay arrives in Glasgow
Background and overview
In 1997 the MoD set up a project to provide four Alternative Landing Ships Logistic for use by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The vessels would act as second wave amphibious assault ships and would primarily be used to transport troops, stores, vehicles and equipment.
Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Ltd. was identified as lead yard for the project and tasked with providing two ships with BAE Systems in Glasgow providing the remainder on a build to print contract.
In autumn 2002 the project was renamed as Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) (LSD(A)).
Swan Hunter encountered significant design problems which resulted in cost escalations and delays. The work by BAE Systems was also impacted because of the delays in receiving design information.
By July 2006 BAE Systems had completed two vessels – MOUNTS BAY and CARDIGAN BAY. Swan Hunter had completed one vessel – LARGS BAY. Due to Swan Hunter’s continuing difficulties the MoD made the decision to transfer the final ship, LYME BAY to BAE Systems for completion. Design Authority for the ship was also transferred to BAE Systems.
The partnering challenge
Following the transfer of the contract to BAE Systems, and in response to issues highlighted in the MoD’s interim performance questionnaire the project team identified a requirement to find a new way of working - simply meeting the black and white terms of the contract would not be enough.
A joint solution
Business psychologists were brought in to facilitate a joint event with the MoD integrated project team and the BAE Systems team to help everyone involved look at issues around behaviours and personal effectiveness.
A joint project charter was developed which spelled out how everyone would work together and identified the shared goals.
In addition, a monthly relationship plan was put in place, creating a framework for discussing the relationship and targeting areas to change and improve upon.
Outputs and recognition of the new partnered approach
Scott Jamieson, head of LSD(A) project for BAE Systems: “There have been commercial contractual issues that we have resolved in a very mature and pragmatic way. We have responded to issues on the ships by pulling together as a team and we have been able to rectify them extremely quickly and with minimal disruption to the ship and the ship’s crew.”
Progress on the relationship was recently highlighted by Defence Procurement Minister Lord Drayson at an event marking the first anniversary of the DIS. Lord Drayson praised IPT leader Tony Graham for his work, adding he was “pleased that we have turned the project round” and “got it in great shape”.
IPT deputy team leader Andy Hewitt added that the IPT itself was committed to further developing its partnering approach with BAE Systems. It recognised that the new approach cannot be a one-sided journey, he said. “Both organisations are working towards ensuring new behaviours are firmly embedded within the respective teams.”
