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
-
![Thales to supply sonar systems for the Netherlands’ Orka submarines]()
Thales to supply sonar systems for the Netherlands’ Orka submarines
The company will deliver a comprehensive sensor suite when the Orka class comes into service in the early 2030s.
-
![Edge and CMN Naval create multi-billion dollar joint venture to build high value niche naval vessels]()
Edge and CMN Naval create multi-billion dollar joint venture to build high value niche naval vessels
The new company will take possession of the existing non-NATO order pipeline, said to be worth billions of dollars.
-
![Royal Navy follows US Navy lead, invests in VR training to mitigate watchkeeping skill fade]()
Royal Navy follows US Navy lead, invests in VR training to mitigate watchkeeping skill fade
VR naval training is growing more accepted as it maintains bridge skills in a safe, virtual environment.
-
![New three-way deal spurs mine countermeasure advances in UAE]()
New three-way deal spurs mine countermeasure advances in UAE
Exail, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) are collaborating to add new technology to mine countermeasure solutions.
