New Irish OPV commissioned
The first of two Irish offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) being built by Babcock for the Irish Naval Service was officially named and commissioned on 17 May, following successful completion of sea trials and handover at Babcock’s Appledore shipyard in North Devon at the end of April 2014.
The first-of-class LÈ Samuel Becket was named in Dublin this weekend alongside the Samuel Beckett Bridge. The naming was followed by the commissioning ceremony.
LÈ Samuel Becket will be operational with immediate effect undertaking a range of duties including fishery protection, search and rescue, anti-pollution and maritime security duties, including vessel boardings. To conduct these operations a crew of 44, plus ten trainee berths, are available.
The approximately 90m, 2256 tonne OPV has autonomous engine rooms and is capable of a top speed of 23kts, and a range of 6,000nm at its cruise speed of 15kts on a single engine. The propulsion system utilises a diesel electric drive system providing a loiter function of up to 6kts. A comprehensive command, control and communications package is coupled to the main weapon; a 76mm gun, as well as two 20mm cannons and four general purpose machine guns.
The vessel is also equipped with configurable, serviced mission modules, with deck space to operate mission specific equipment, and to act as a mother ship for two fully independent fast pursuit Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats. It is designed to provide an operational capability for many years of service in the North Atlantic, its main area of operation.
Commenting on the completion and handover Babcock Shipbuilding Director, Andrew Hamilton, said: ‘We are delighted and proud to have successfully built, trialled and delivered this first of class OPV to the Irish Naval Service. The success of this project has been brought about by the close co-operation of our customer, suppliers and industry. LÈ Samuel Beckett demonstrates that a commercial build coupled with commercial off the shelf equipment can give a high level of capability within the budgeted cost.’
Keel laying for the second OPV took place in November last year, with float-up scheduled for early November 2014 and sea trials and delivery taking place in early 2015.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy takes delivery of New Jersey SSN
The USN’s Virginia-class SSNs are replacing the old Los Angeles-class SSNs. The Virginia-class SSNs are fitted with the latest sensors and weapons and around 48 submarines are planned, with a total of 38 currently ordered.
-
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.