Royal Navy Cuts Steel for Second River Class OPV

The construction of Royal Navy’s second of three River class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) has reached an important milestone with the steel cutting ceremony in Glasgow today.

The OPVs are part of a programme that has protected more than 800 Scottish jobs. The vessels are being built at BAE Systems’ shipyards on the Clyde as part of a £348 Million contract.

UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon started the computer-guided laser to cut the first piece of hull. Mr Fallon also saw the development of the first OPV and met members of the workforce during a tour of the facility.

Featuring a redesigned flight deck to operate the latest Merlin helicopters as well as increased storage and accommodation facilities, the OPVs are being build on the proven capability of the Royal Navy’s current River Class vessels.

The first OPV will be named HMS Forth and is expected to be handed over to the Royal Navy in 2017. This second OPV will be named HMS Medway and the third HMS Trent.

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Image: BAE Systems