VT launches OPVH

The first complete ship to be built at a major British naval base for nearly 40 years recently emerged from its assembly hall. The 80 metre offshore patrol vessel (OPVH) ?HMS Clyde? will be loaded on to a barge at Portsmouth Naval Base ahead of its first floating.

The 1,300 tonne vessel is being built at VP?s shipyard and will fitted with a helicopter deck capable of taking helicopters up to the size of the new Merlin aircraft. It has accommodation to cater for an embarked force, and will accommodate a crew of 36 with additional accommodation for up to 20 extra personnel. It also has a 30mm gun and improved surveillance radar and has been designed to endure a wide range of sea conditions.