Navy

Birth Of A Warship: First Steel Cut On HMS Trent

Construction has begun on one of three new Royal Navy warships at the BAE Systems shipyard in Glasgow.

HMS Trent is the third of three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV's) that will be used for counter-piracy and terrorism measures protecting UK waters.

During a visit to BAE Systems’ Govan yard in Glasgow, Defence Minister Philip Dunne saw progress on the build of the first and second OPVs and met members of the workforce on a programme that has protected more than 800 Scottish jobs.

HMS Trent will go on to take part in counter terrorism, combating piracy, halting smuggling and defending UK waters. The vessels are being built at BAE Systems’ shipyards on the Clyde as part of a £348 million contract.

Defence Minister, Philip Dunne, said:

"These new ships will provide an important capability to the Royal Navy and our Armed Forces‎. They will perform vital tasks in defending the nation's interests around the world.

He added:

“This investment forms part of over £160 billion in our 10 year Equipment Plan which is funded out of the newly protected Defence budget.

BAE Systems:

“Manufacture of these ships sustains over 800 quality engineering jobs here in Scotland, ensuring that the shipyards on the Clyde continue to sit at the heart of a thriving naval shipbuilding capability. They are paving the way for work to begin on our new T26 frigates next year.”

This third generation of River-class patrol ship is expected to displace approximately 1,800 tonnes, be about 90m long and 13m wide and have a range of over 5,000 nautical miles.