Royal Navy’s third River-class OPV named
The Royal Navy has officially named its third River-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) HMS Trent, BAE Systems announced on 13 March. The naming ceremony took place at BAE Systems’ site at Govan, Glasgow.
HMS Trent will support the navy in a range of operations including counterterrorism and anti-smuggling to secure the UK’s borders. The 90m vessels will be equipped with a 30mm cannon and a flight deck capable of receiving a Merlin helicopter.
Trent is now making final preparations to enter the water for the first time ahead of outfitting and systems installation. The vessel is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in the second half of 2018.
The first OPV, HMS Forth, joined the Royal Navy in January 2018. The second in class, Medway, is currently preparing for sea trials in the first half of this year. The fourth ship, Tamar, is now structurally complete, while the final River-class OPV, Spey, is under construction at BAE Systems’ Govan yard.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV]()
RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV
RTX told Shephard that the Hadalus UUV has been procured by the US Marine Corps and the Office of Naval Research for operational experimentation as the company prepares additional demonstrations with the US Navy, NATO and AUKUS partners.
