HMS Mersey gets Pacific 24 RIBs
The Royal Navy’s HMS Mersey patrol ship has received two new Pacific 24 Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), the navy announced on 16 May.
The new 25.5ft boats replace the older 22ft Pacific 22 RIBs previously used on operations for more than a decade.
The Pacific 24s can seat more personnel on better seating and can travel at higher speeds, carrying boarding teams to inspect vessels as part of HMS Mersey's fisheries protection role.
HMS Mersey's XO Lt Martyn Mayger said: ‘Sea boat operations are our bread and butter and these faster, stronger, more agile boats allow us to conduct our marine enforcement task more effectively.
‘The two Pac24s mark a significant increase in Mersey's capability, but the boats have their work cut out for them - we are a busy ship.’
The crew have already undergone training on the new vessels.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
