Govan

... is world famous for producing spectacular ships.

Kvaerner Govan Ltd was formed in 1988 after various amalgamations and take overs of some world famous yards including Fairfields, Connell, Yarrows, and John Brown and is now part of BAE Systems operating out of the Govan shipyard since 1999.

At their height from 1900 to the 1950s John Browns were one of the most highly regarded shipbuilders in the world. They were responsible for building many world-famous ships, including the Lusitania and it's sister ship the Aquitania , HMS Hood, the Queen Mary, the Queen Elizabeth, and the QE2. The 'Titan' Crane in the middle distant right of picture, now a Catagory A Listed Structure, shows where the yard was situated.

Yarrows was a major shipbuilding firm based in the Scotstoun area of Glasgow and was famous for building naval ships from 1949.

The contract for 2 new Queen Elizabeth-class supercarriers for the Royal Navy was announced in 2007 and the contract awarded to BAE Systems. HMS Queen Elizabeth is expected to enter service in 2016 and HMS Prince of Wales in 2018. The vessels at 280 metres (920 ft) long with carrying availability for up to forty aircraft will be the largest warships ever to be constructed for the Royal Navy.


For those of you who struggled a bit with my blip from yesterday - you can view Dr Finlays Casebook opening sequence and theme tune here.