British Navy has commissioned HMS Spey new OPV Offshore Patrol Vessel.

According to information published by the Royal British Navy on June 18, 2021, the new Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Spey (P234) of the British Navy was commissioned on June 18, 2021, during a ceremony alongside the Ross-shire town of Invergordon.
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The HMS Spey Offshore Patrol Vessel for the British Navy was commissioned on June 18, 2021. (Picture source British Navy)

The HMS Spey is a Batch 2 River-Class Offshore Patrol Vessel designed and built by BAE Systems Naval Ships. She is the fifth and final of the second generation of River-class vessels built for the Royal British Navy.

Leaving the Clyde shipyard in October last year, HMS Spey has been undergoing a rigorous program of operational sea training to ready her for action. On Friday, June 18, however, Spey and her 45-strong crew were at their affiliated town of Invergordon where dozens of invited guests gathered to welcome her into active service with the Royal British Navy.

There are two generations of River-class ships serving with the Royal Navy. The first – comprising HMS Tyne, Severn and Mersey – were constructed by Vosper Thorneycroft in Southampton and have been operating since the early 2000s, primarily helping to protect fishing stocks but also fulfilling general duties at home and abroad. The second generation, which includes HMS Spey, were Clyde-built and are larger, faster and even more capable. 

At just over 90-metres long, the ships feature a flight deck large enough for a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter and room on board for up to 50 embarked Royal Marines. This makes the second generation of the River-class incredibly versatile vessels capable of tackling a variety of missions from counter-piracy to disaster relief.

The HMS Spey is powered by two MAN 16V28/33D diesel engines rated at 14,700kW/19,700HP, which drive twin controllable pitch propellers. The ship can reach a top speed of 25 kn (46 km/h) with a cruising range of 5,500 nmi (10,200 km). She has an endurance of 35 days.

The HMS Spey has a length of 90.5 m, a beam of 13.5 m, and a displacement of 2,000 tons. She is armed with one Bushmaster 30 mm automatic cannon, two Miniguns 7.62×51mm NATO six-barrel rotary machine gun, and two General Purpose 7.62mm machine guns. The vessel carries two Pacific 22 Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB). She has a crew of 58 sailors.