HMS Protector to get Vestdavit PLR-5000
Vestdavit is to provide its specially enhanced PLR-5000 davit to the icebreaker HMS Protector (pictured), as the only UK RN vessel dedicated to Antarctic patrol and survey duties.
Protector is already fitted with seven davits provided by Vestdavit but the latest PLR-5000 is fully winterised to function in accordance with the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters. This means that the equipment is capable of operating in temperatures of -40°C.
William Goodall, area sales manager at Vestdavit, said: ‘This is a challenge that Vestdavit has met head-on and I am proud that we, as a team, are playing our part in increasing the operational capability of one of the Royal Navy’s highest-profile vessels.’ The PLR-5000 will support the launch and recovery of fast rescue craft and boat crews in Sea State 5 conditions and features shock absorbers, high performance winches and a constant tension system.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Indo Pacific 2025: Australian Defence Force sets its sights on autonomy
Multiple autonomous systems and technologies were on display at this year’s Indo Pacific, but questions remain over how the Australian Department of Defence will balance the books.
-
How the UK Royal Navy is powering up its hybrid fleet to combat new threats
Since it announced its move towards a new “hybrid navy” earlier this year, the force has announced a number of new uncrewed technologies in the works.
-
US and UK to begin Trident II D5 Increment 8 in October 2026
Trident II D5 Increment 8 will involve improvements to the shipboard navigation subsystem for the US Ohio and Columbia and the UK Dreadnought and Vanguard submarine classes.
-
What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?
The US arsenal includes amphibious assault and littoral combat ships, cutters, destroyers, landing platform docks, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, drones, ISR aircraft, helicopters and fighters.
-
HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy
As HMS Agamemnon moves closer towards joining the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, how does the sixth Astute-class fit into the Royal Navy’s defence strategy?