The UK Ministry of Defence stated that Liberty Steel's Dalzell plant is currently facing raw material shortages, but assesses the overall impact on the Royal Navy's Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships program as "low." 

Luke Pollard, Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry, responding to a parliamentary inquiry, indicated that there is currently no indication that steel supply issues will materially delay the construction of the three replenishment ships.

Previously, there were concerns that the continued financial pressure on parent company GFG Alliance could affect the Dalzell plant's ability to supply steel plates for ships. The plant is expected to supply steel for three vessels, each approximately 216 meters long, with the first ship, RFA Resurgent, targeted for delivery in 2031.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the responsibility for steel procurement for the FSS ships program rests with the general contractor, Navantia UK, whose strategy is to maximize the use of domestically produced steel while ensuring on-time delivery and feasibility. Overall, the government believes the risks remain manageable.