The Standard Utility Platform (SUP) production line, which produces the main structural backbone, control centre and powertrain of NS' large ships including the Provider and Missileer, will close down next year. It is thought eight more are scheduled to be built though there are also six completed SUPs which have yet to be taken to be fitted out to a completed ship.
NS said one would be allocated to a replacement Marconi EW ship (though funding for the ship has yet to be decided), it is not thought NS will add any more Providers or Extenders to their fleet. Some export orders are outstanding.
Work on a follow-on, the SUP-X was abandoned years ago. NS are said to be looking at a modular system for a planned replacement heavy transport and oiler in the 2130s.
