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
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
