Final Vahana workboats delivered completing Royal Navy Fleet modernization.

According to information published by the UK MoD on July 19, 2024, the final Vahana workboats have been delivered, completing the Royal Navy's fleet modernization initiative.
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Sea class workboats. (Picture source: UK MoD)

Under a £48 million contract with Dorset-based Atlas Elektronik (AEUK), these new vessels replace outdated boats and enhance the Navy's operational capabilities.

The SEA class boats, designed with versatility and modularity in mind, feature a standardized hull that allows for easy adaptation to various tasks. The 15-meter-long workboats can carry different payloads and offer improved speed, operational range, and advanced navigation equipment, making them essential assets for diving, surveying, and training operations.

The recent handover of the last two boats, Merlin and Fantome, to the Fleet Hydrography and Meteorology Unit in Devonport signifies the project's completion and the fleet's full operational readiness. These boats will be deployed from UK ports and Royal Navy surface vessels, performing roles including logistics support, officer training, hydrographic surveying, passenger transport, and dive support.

Project Vahana, initiated in September 2017, aimed to replace vessels from the early 1990s that had reached the end of their service life.

About the Royal Navy's Fleet Hydrography and Meteorology Unit

This unit is responsible for gathering, processing, and analyzing information on sea and weather conditions, which is vital for the planning and execution of missions involving warships, submarines, and aircraft.

Hydrography specialists focus on conducting surveys to map the sea floor, measure water depth, and assess currents and tides. Their work is essential for navigation safety, ensuring that ships can operate effectively in various environments. They often use advanced equipment to collect data, which is then processed to create detailed nautical charts and reports.

Meteorology specialists in the Royal Navy analyze weather patterns and forecast conditions that could impact naval operations. They provide crucial tactical advice, considering factors such as cloud cover, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure, which affect the deployment and performance of naval assets.