SHIPBUILDER: One of the recently-built minesweepers from Vosper Thornycroft.

SOUTHAMPTON shipbuilder Vosper Thornycroft delivered a huge multi-million pound boost to the city today with the news that the latest generation of warship is set to be built in Woolston.

Hundreds of local jobs will be secured by the massive project which could lead to many more warships of the same type being built in Southampton in the decades ahead.

"In all the years I have been at Vosper Thornycroft this is the best news I have ever been able to give,'' said the company's chief executive, Martin Jay.

"Its importance to Southampton is enormous and opens up excellent prospects for the yard and its workforce.''

Behind the scenes talks between VT and defence giant Marconi have been under way for some time over the plans to build up to 12 of the new design of destroyer which is destined to replace the ageing and expensive present Type 42 destroyer.

Shipyard experts are all set to begin initial study work on the Royal Navy's new anti-air warfare destroyer in just a few weeks' time with VT confident that a contract will be signed and sealed with the Ministry of Defence to build one of two first-of-class war-ships next year.

The other anti-air warfare destroyer is expected to be built by Marconi in Yarrow on the Clyde. "The Type 42s are well past the sell- by date so the government is looking for replacements as soon as possible,'' said Mr Jay.

"As soon as the contract has been signed detailed design work has to be undertaken but we would expect production to begin at Woolston in 2002 with the build taking three years.''

News of the work came as VT announced pre-tax profits of £34.2 million, an increase of four per cent on the previous year.

"Our shipbuilding prospects are excellent given our order book which extends to 2001,'' said Mr Jay.

"The strength of the group is under-pinned by an order book which has increased 42 per cent to £700 million.''

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