Sealift outline case due this financial year

The British Ministry of Defence expects to complete the Strategic Outline Case for its Strategic Sealift Future program before the end of the current financial year, according to a parliamentary response. This early assessment is intended to examine requirements and replacement options for the maritime transport capability used to move Army vehicles, artillery and supplies. Meanwhile, the four privately owned Point-class roll-on/roll-off sealift vessels operated by Foreland Shipping under contract to the Ministry of Defence are scheduled for substantial refits to sustain existing lift capacity during planning. The outline case is an initial investment-planning step; officials have not yet selected a replacement design, awarded a shipbuilding contract or stated a delivery schedule.