Babcock floats Irish OPV
Babcock has floated the future LÉ George Bernard Shaw, the fourth offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the Irish Naval Service, the company announced on 6 April.
The vessel, which is currently under construction at shipbuilder's Appledore facility in North Devon, was floated out within the main build hall and then moved out into the River Torridge at high tide to complete work at the tidal wharf.
The 90m, 2256t vessel will have a top speed of 23kt and a range of 6,000 miles at its cruise speed of 15kt. The patrol vessel will have a comprehensive command, control and communications package along with a 76mm gun as its main weapon.
The vessel will be able to accommodate 44 crew and have an additional ten trainee berths.
George Bernard Shaw is due to complete in July 2018 and will support both protection and humanitarian activities.
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