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
-
![How the Golden Fleet will change the US Navy acquisition process]()
How the Golden Fleet will change the US Navy acquisition process
The procurement of the future USN Golden Fleet is planned to be less bureaucratic than previous strategies, involving AI-enabled designs and scheduling tools to increase productivity and avoid delays.
-
![What capabilities are being tested under AUKUS Pillar II?]()
What capabilities are being tested under AUKUS Pillar II?
Collaboration on AUKUS Pillar II extends beyond the core trilateral agreement, presenting global opportunities for companies with advanced technologies.
-
![Australia signs US$2.8 billion ship deal with Austal but puts pressure on company to deliver]()
Australia signs US$2.8 billion ship deal with Austal but puts pressure on company to deliver
The A$4 billion Landing Craft Heavy contract for Austal follows on from a A$1 billion deal in December for Landing Craft Medium ships, but the Australian government has made it clear that a contract for Mogami frigates is reliant on the success of these two contracts.
-
![Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms]()
Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms
Havelsan, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence will collaborate to develop and integrate a range of maritime solutions with a view to secure a first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of this year.
