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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Peru partnership may serve as a template for South Korean naval exports into South America]()
Peru partnership may serve as a template for South Korean naval exports into South America
With a growing pipeline of naval modernisation programmes in South America, South Korean companies could be set to expand their presence in the region as recent contract wins highlight growing collaboration.
-
![AUKUS plan B? Japan’s submarines stopgap gains traction]()
AUKUS plan B? Japan’s submarines stopgap gains traction
Australia’s Collins-class life of type extension has revived debate over whether Canberra needs a contingency plan as risks to every stage of the AUKUS pathway mount. With Japan newly open to exports, the case for a diesel-electric stopgap is gaining traction.
-
![Frigates and submarines anchor Brazilian naval modernisation worth US$5.52 billion]()
Frigates and submarines anchor Brazilian naval modernisation worth US$5.52 billion
Shipbuilding programmes established over the past decade are setting Brazil's course towards having one of the most modern navies in the region.
