?20m Contract for New Royal Navy Ships

Mick Ord, Managing Director at BAE Systems Naval Ships, and Defense Minister Philip Dunne view a computer-generated image of the Royal Navy’s new OPV [Picture: Copyright BAE Systems]

The Ministry of Defense (MOD) has signed a £20 million contract to buy parts for the Royal Navy's 3 new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).

It was announced in November last year that MOD would purchase the shipswhich will be built, subject to approval, by BAE Systems.

On 12 March, during a visit to the company’s shipyards on the Clyde in Scotland, Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne announced that MOD has committed £20 million to the program.

The contract will enable BAE Systems to begin work on parts such as the engines and gearboxes, which require a longer time to make and therefore have to be ordered in advance of the main shipbuilding program.

The Royal Navy’s OPVs are set to be built later this year by BAE Systems at their Clyde shipyards, which employ approximately 3,000 people.

Mr Dunne said: "This £20 million is a significant milestone, critical to the successful delivery of these 3 vessels for the Royal Navy. The OPVs will not only provide an additional capability for the UK but also, at its peak, the OPV program will safeguard more than 800 vital skilled roles in the shipbuilding industry."

OPVs can be used to support counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the waters around the UK and other UK interests abroad.

Compared to the current River Class ships, the new OPVs will be larger, with more storage and accommodation facilities and a larger flight deck for Merlin helicopters.

The first OPV is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in 2017.