Royal Navy shipbuilder in limbo owing to cash shortage at Liberty Steel plant

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Jasper JollyJanuary 18, 2026 at 08:00 AM

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

Liberty Steel's Dalzell plant in Scotland, contracted to supply 34,000 tonnes of steel for the Royal Navy's new fleet solid support (FSS) ships, is facing a cash shortage, hindering production. This threatens delays for the shipbuilder Navantia, which is constructing the ships in Belfast, with the first vessel expected in 2031. The financial issues stem from the wider troubles of Liberty Steel's owner, Sanjeev Gupta, whose GFG Alliance has faced difficulties since the collapse of Greensill Capital. Sir David Murray has offered to take over the plant, citing its potential profitability with sufficient investment. The UK government is facing calls to intervene to ensure the steel supply and protect jobs.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Serious Fraud Office 35% Greensill Capital 40% British Steel 40% GFG Alliance 50% Scotland 60% Sir David Murray ×270% UK ×270% Navantia ×270% Sanjeev Gupta ×280% Royal Navy ×290% Liberty Steel ×695%

Keywords

liberty steel 100% cash shortage 90% royal navy shipbuilder 90% fleet solid support ships 80% steel mill 70% sanjeev gupta 70% financial troubles 60% steel production 60% uk government 50% navantia 40%