Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence

Babcock displays Irish OPV at DSEI

Babcock's stand at DSEI this year is displaying a model of the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) being built by the company for the Irish Naval Service, in advance of two key milestones in the build programme; float-up of the first OPV and keel laying for the second – both of which take place next month (October).

The model is expected to attract attention at a time of considerable interest in OPVs around the world.

Babcock was awarded the contract to build the two OPVs by Ireland’s Department of Defence in 2010 in the face of fierce international competition, based on pricing and the company’s experience of shipbuilding and proven track record in working with the Irish Naval Service.  The new OPVs are being built at Babcock’s Appledore shipyard in North Devon, where Ireland’s current OPVs LÈ Roisin and Niamh were also built in the late 1990s - early 2000s.  Babcock’s proposal for the new OPVs drew heavily on the design and success of these vessels and the Appledore team that built them.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The new Irish OPVs are approx 90 metre, 1933 tonne ships with autonomous engine rooms capable of a top speed of 23 knots, and a range of 6,000 nautical miles at their cruise speed of 15 knots on a single engine.  The propulsion system utilises a diesel electric drive system which provides a loiter function of up to 6 knots.  The vessels have a comprehensive command, control and communications package coupled to the main weapon; a 76mm gun, as well as two 20mm cannons and four general purpose machine guns.  They will also be equipped with configurable, serviced mission modules, with deck space to operate mission specific equipment, and to act as a mother ship for two fully independent fast pursuit Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RIBs).

The OPVs are required to undertake a range of duties including fishery protection, search and rescue, maritime protection, drug interdiction, anti-pollution and maritime security duties, including vessel boardings.  To conduct these operations a crew of 44, plus 10 trainee berths, will be accommodated to high comfort and habitability standards.  The vessels are designed to provide an operational capability for up to 30 years of service in their main area of operation (North Atlantic).

A keel laying ceremony for the first of the two OPVs took place in May 2012 at Babcock’s Appledore shipyard.  This vessel, LÈ Samuel Beckett, will now be floated up next month (October 2013), after which she will be berthed alongside for final outfit, test and commissioning prior to delivery to the Irish Naval Service in early 2014.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Keel laying for the second OPV also takes place next month, for delivery in 2015.

Babcock business development director David McGinley said: “We are delighted to be progressing on-schedule and within budget on the build of these two OPVs for the Irish Naval Service, and it is exciting to be so close to achieving the major float-up milestone for the first vessel.  The success of this project demonstrates our innovation and capability in this field, and we expect the model of these OPVs on our stand at DSEi to draw attention, at a time of considerable international interest in OPVs as affordable platforms for day to day naval tasks.”
 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
HMG Paints returns to DSEI with advanced defence coatings

Defence Events

HMG Paints returns to DSEI with advanced defence coatings

30 July 2025

Independent UK paint manufacturer, HMG Paints, will be returning to DSEI UK (Defence and Security Equipment International) 2025, taking place from 9th to 12th September 2025, at ExCeL London, to highlight the latest advancements in defence coatings.

Clear B2B appoints Allyson Higgins as Managing Director

Defence

Clear B2B appoints Allyson Higgins as Managing Director

29 July 2025

PR and marketing agency, Clear B2B, has announced the appointment of Allyson Higgins as its new Managing Director, marking the start of a new growth chapter for the agency.

UK high-altitude ISR balloon soars to new heights

Defence

UK high-altitude ISR balloon soars to new heights

29 July 2025

The UK has successfully trialed uncrewed high-altitude balloons which can conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, spearheaded by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).

CCL launches CCL Protect

Defence

CCL launches CCL Protect

29 July 2025

Digital forensics and cyber specialist CCL Solutions Group has today announced the launch of CCL Protect, a subscription-based cyber security service designed to give SMEs and fast-growing businesses access to enterprise-grade protection without the complexity or cost of building it in-house.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Base Materials gains full DNV type approval

Defence Security

Base Materials gains full DNV type approval

29 July 2025

Base Materials has become the first syntactic foam subsea buoyancy materials manufacturer to achieve full DNV type approval (TAC) across its entire portfolio of Subtec buoyancy materials.

BISim

Defence

BISim's VBS4 selected for US Army GFT

29 July 2025

Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), a wholly owned subsidiary of BAE Systems, Inc., has announced that the US Army has completed a contract modification to begin upgraded deployment of Virtual Battlespace 4 (VBS4) as part of its ongoing Games for Training (GFT) programme.

Advertisement
Teledyne