The new 90 metre vessels will be built at BAE Systems’ facilities
in Glasgow and will provide additional capability for the Royal Navy.
Based on a proven design, the ships will be used to support counter-terrorism,
counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the waters around the
UK and will protect other UK interests abroad. |
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Mick Ord, Managing Director at BAE Systems Naval
Ships, said: “This is a significant contract award which marks
the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the UK shipbuilding
sector. We’re making major investments in our people, technology
and facilities to create a world-class complex warship capability and
the OPVs provide an opportunity to embed these new ways of working.
This will ensure we remain competitive and are best placed to secure
the Type 26 manufacturing contract, which together with the investments
will sustain the long-term future of this highly skilled industry.”
Engineers at BAE Systems have adapted the proven OPV design already
in-service with the Brazilian Navy and Royal Thai Navy, to ensure it
meets the requirements of the Royal Navy. Today’s announcement
builds on the contract for long lead items, such as gear boxes and engines,
announced in March. Production will start in October, with the first
of class expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in 2017.
The ships will be larger and more efficient than the existing River
Class OPVs, providing a step change in capability to the Royal Navy
with more room for embarked personnel, the addition of a flight deck
capable of landing Merlin helicopters and storage space. With a maximum
speed of 24 knots and a range of 5,500 nautical miles, the ships will
be globally deployable and capable of ocean patrol.
BAE Systems delivered three OPVs to the Brazilian Navy in 2012-2013.
Providing maritime security to Brazil, the ships recently performed
a key role safeguarding the 2014 World Cup by patrolling the coastline
close to Rio de Janeiro. HTMS KRABI, in service with the Royal Thai
Navy, is based on the same OPV design and was constructed under license
in Thailand by Bangkok Dock.
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