Marine Link
Friday, March 29, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Andrew Bunney News

17 Jan 2003

First Royal Navy River Class Handed Over

Vosper Thornycroft (VT) Shipbuilding’s innovative project to build three Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Royal Navy has reached a major milestone with the acceptance of the first ship. Having successfully completed the trials program, HMS Tyne was handed over at a ceremony in Portsmouth Naval Base after making the short voyage from VT’s Woolston, Southampton, shipyard.The 264-ft. OPVs represent a unique procurement for the Royal Navy. They are believed to be the first ships built and funded by industry for charter to the Ministry of Defense. Under the agreement, VT will finance the $97M, build of the three ships and will charter them to the MoD for an initial period of five years.

25 Mar 2003

VT to Utilize Latest Technology at New Shipyard

Vosper Thornycroft (VT) Group will open its naval shipbuilding facility in this spring. The $63M development is located within Portsmouth Naval Base, home of the U.K. Royal Navy’s surface fleet, and will help VT to consolidate its reputation as one of the world’s leading suppliers of naval vessels for overseas navies and the Royal Navy. “The new facility will enable VT and its customers to benefit from major increases in productivity and reductions in costs,” said VT Shipbuilding Managing Director Andrew Bunney. Initially, the facility will be used to build blocks for all the Royal Navy’s new 7,500 tonne Type 45 destroyers. VT will build the forward section, funnel and mast sections for these large ships. VT is also hoping to secure further orders from the U.K.