Work on HMS Glasgow, the first of eight advanced Type 26 frigates being built for the Royal Navy, was temporarily halted at the Scotstoun shipyard in Scotland due to fire safety concerns. The frigate, part of a £4.2bn contract managed by BAE Systems, is the first in the City-class series of anti-submarine warships.

In 1976, a fire aboard a Navy destroyer, also named HMS Glasgow, claimed the lives of eight men while the ship was being fitted out at Swan Hunter’s Neptune yard on the River Tyne. Staff raised concerns about the audibility of fire alarms throughout all levels of the vessel, which led some workers to temporarily refuse to board earlier in the month.  A source speaking to a Scottish publication described the ship as "huge" and "state-of-the-art but much like a rabbit warren in many ways, with many different levels and compartments."

The source added “The crew had raised concerns that not everyone could hear the alarms and took their concerns to the health and safety officer on site, with some refusing to board for work. However, after reassuring staff of the procedures they have in place, a fire safety test was agreed for later that afternoon.”

During the test, a headcount revealed that one individual had not heard the alarm, further underscoring the need for action.

BAE Systems confirmed the incident and stated that it has since been resolved. The company emphasised its commitment to safety, noting that all its ships are equipped with robust and multi-layered safety systems, including alarms, airhorns, and stringent muster procedures.

The temporary halt highlights the importance of rigorous fire safety measures in large-scale and complex shipbuilding projects, ensuring the welfare of all personnel on site.

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