Britain and the Netherlands have signed a maritime partnership setting the path for new amphibious transport ships for their forces under a $3.2 billion (£2.4 billion) deal, with the vessels set to be built in UK shipyards alongside Dutch industry.The ships will be based on a Dutch design and form the backbone of a strengthened UK-Netherlands amphibious force, with each country operating four vessels.The 160-metre, 15,000-tonne ships will transport troops, vehicles and equipment, including drones.