Babcock floats Irish OPV
Babcock has floated the future LÉ George Bernard Shaw, the fourth offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the Irish Naval Service, the company announced on 6 April.
The vessel, which is currently under construction at shipbuilder’s Appledore facility in North Devon, was floated out within the main build hall and then moved out into the River Torridge at high tide to complete work at the tidal wharf.
The 90m, 2256t vessel will have a top speed of 23kt and a range of 6,000 miles at its cruise speed of 15kt. The patrol vessel will have a comprehensive command, control and communications package along with a 76mm gun as its main weapon.
The vessel will be able to accommodate 44 crew and have an additional ten trainee berths.
George Bernard Shaw is due to complete in July 2018 and will support both protection and humanitarian activities.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Could the USCG icebreaker requirement open the door for more inland shipbuilding?]()
Could the USCG icebreaker requirement open the door for more inland shipbuilding?
The formation of a Great Lakes shipbuilding alliance could prompt a shift in how the US approaches naval and coast guard construction. But can distributed inland shipyards ease the country’s shipbuilding capacity?
-
![US Navy bets on radio frequency to increase vessel protection against aerial threats]()
US Navy bets on radio frequency to increase vessel protection against aerial threats
A Northrop Grumman RF-based defensive capability will equip USN destroyers and aircraft carriers to enhance their survivability against missile and drone attacks.
-
![Naval Group’s Barracuda bid could deepen Franco-Greek naval alignment]()
Naval Group’s Barracuda bid could deepen Franco-Greek naval alignment
As the Hellenic Navy looks to replace its ageing submarines with a next-generation fleet, other likely contenders for the programme include TKMS, Saab, Fincantieri, Navantia and Hanwha Ocean.
-
![US Navy budget seeks 34 ships on yesterday’s industrial base]()
US Navy budget seeks 34 ships on yesterday’s industrial base
The 2027 budget demands 34 new vessels, but ageing yards and backlogs raise questions about whether American shipbuilding can deliver.
