Shipbuilding on the Clyde has a bright future, according to Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell.

Mrs Liddell was speaking at the launch of a new warship which has been built for the Brunei Navy by workers at the Scotstoun yard.

The 95m vessel, called the KDB Jerambak, is the third offshore patrol vessel to have been built for the navy at the Glasgow yard.

Mrs Liddell said the completion of the ship on time was "evidence of the world-class facilities and workforce available on the Clyde".

Helen Liddell: Better prospects for the Clyde

She also paid tribute to the management of BAE Systems, which operates the Scotstoun yard.

The minister said: "The workforce and management of BAE Systems can take great pride today in the launch of this vessel.

"The vessel will be an ambassador for Scotland and will speak volumes about the talent and quality of Scottish workmanship."

Mrs Liddell said that UK Government orders, including contracts for six type 45 destroyers and eight landing craft utilities (LCUs) had given the yard a "sound base" for the future.

She said she was aware that BAE Systems has also been competing for more export contracts around the world.

The minister told those at the launch: "Shipbuilding is faced with the same global and competitive pressures that every other industry faces.

Offshore patrols

But shipbuilding on the Clyde has a good future and this government will do all it can to support it."

The contract for the three ships was signed in January 1998 and work began two months later.

The KDB Jerambak, which weighs 2,000-tonnes, has a top speed of 30 knots and can accommodate up to 100 crew at any one time.

It is specifically designed to undertake offshore patrols and surveillance in Brunei's territorial waters.

The launch was followed by an open day at the yard and thousands of people were expected to visit.