Growing fears that £1bn contract to build ships could be abandoned

Building the FSS ships in the UK would also support Sir John Parker’s national shipbuilding strategy review. This backed producing ships for the British military in domestic shipyards to prevent the industry from collapsing without regular work.

Peter Sandeman, director of campaign group Save the Royal Navy, added: “It has always been obvious that FSS would be one of the first things on the chopping board if things get difficult.

“The Navy is juggling a budget and projects which have not been started like FSS are not a core priority, unlike new submarines and frigates.”

A recent National Audit Office report into the new aircraft carriers identified support ships as a potential weakness in their effectiveness, with them relying on the vessels to be able to operate for long periods away from port.

The spending watchdog highlighted that the Navy has just one FSS vessel to supply the carriers: Fort Victoria.

This ship has already had its life extended beyond the expected 25 years and is now due to retire in 2028.

However, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace last week told MPS he was “keen [work on FSS] gets underway as soon as possible” and had asked for it to be brought forward.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We continue work on the procurement strategy for the FSS and will provide when the current stage is completed.”