Trinidad and Tobago OPVs sail ahead

Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) being built by the UK shipbuilder BAE Systems for the government of Trinidad and Tobago will this week take a step closer to completion.

Employees at the Portsmouth Naval base will join in the celebrations today when the first vessel is formally named ‘Port of Spain’, while the second ship is set to launch and be named ‘Scarborough’, on the Clyde tomorrow.

The two 90m OPVs for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard are part of a £150 million contract to build, integrate, test and commission (up to sea trials) three ships for the government. Under the programme BAE will also provide training and a five year in-service support package, while the UK Ministry of Defence is providing advice to the government of Trinidad and Tobago and operational sea training to the coast guard crews.

Lord Davies, Government Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business, said: “I am delighted that the UK is able to provide Trinidad and Tobago with these highly capable ships. The UK Government will work with BAE Systems and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard to make sure the crews get the most out of their new vessels.”

The three OPVs for Trinidad and Tobago will perform a range of Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) management, special operations and maritime law enforcement tasks. The first of the ships is being constructed at BAE Systems? Portsmouth facility, while the second and third vessels are being built at its yard at Scotstoun on the Clyde.