Irish Naval Service floats third OPV
The third and last offshore patrol vessel (OPV) built as part of the Irish Naval Service’s ship replacement programme has been floated for the first time.
LÉ William Butler Yeats, a Samuel Beckett-class OPV, was floated on 10 March at Babcock Marine & Technology’s shipyard in Appledore, England.
The 90m-long vessel has since been towed out of Appledore’s dry dock area and placed at a fitting-out quay where additional equipment will be installed, including the ship’s mast.
An Irish Department of Defence spokesperson told Shephard that fitting out of equipment and installation of the mast will continue while the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?]()
Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?
South Korean shipbuilders are beginning to make their mark beyond Asia, competing for major North American and European submarine programmes and becoming serious contenders on a global scale.
-
![AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official]()
AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.
-
![Sweden’s decision on four new warships inches closer as it eyes UK, France and Spain]()
Sweden’s decision on four new warships inches closer as it eyes UK, France and Spain
Sweden decided last year that it wanted a significantly larger warship for its Luleå Class programme than originally planned, with three likely contenders that could potentially deliver within the country’s tight schedule.
-
![How the use of artificial intelligence will affect the US Coast Guard’s acquisitions]()
How the use of artificial intelligence will affect the US Coast Guard’s acquisitions
The USCG is pursuing AI tools to improve the way the service conducts its procurement and fielding processes.
