Royal Navy’s third River-class OPV named
The Royal Navy has officially named its third River-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) HMS Trent, BAE Systems announced on 13 March. The naming ceremony took place at BAE Systems’ site at Govan, Glasgow.
HMS Trent will support the navy in a range of operations including counterterrorism and anti-smuggling to secure the UK’s borders. The 90m vessels will be equipped with a 30mm cannon and a flight deck capable of receiving a Merlin helicopter.
Trent is now making final preparations to enter the water for the first time ahead of outfitting and systems installation. The vessel is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in the second half of 2018.
The first OPV, HMS Forth, joined the Royal Navy in January 2018. The second in class, Medway, is currently preparing for sea trials in the first half of this year. The fourth ship, Tamar, is now structurally complete, while the final River-class OPV, Spey, is under construction at BAE Systems’ Govan yard.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
![Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet]()
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
-
![ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth]()
ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth
The company could be looking to collaborate with other Asian nations as well as countries further afield as it pushes ahead with its shipyard expansion plans.
