VT To Unveil Shipyard Technology Investment

This Spring, VT Group will unveil what it touts as Europe's most advanced naval shipbuilding facility, a nearly $60 million investment located within Portsmouth Naval Base. From the start.

the facility will be used to build blocks for all the Royal Navy's new 7.500-ton type 45 destroyers, as VT will build the forward section, funnel and mast section for these ships. In addition, the company is in competition to build additional 262- ft. (80-m) offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the Royal Navy, a project that would also take advantage of the new complex.

Three vessels were previously contracted.

and one (HMS Tyne) is now in service.

The OPVs are a unique procurement for the Royal Navy, as they are believed to be the first ships built and funded by industry for charter to the Ministry of Defense. VT is financing the $90 million build of the three ships, and will charter them to the MoD for an initial period of five years, at which time the MoD can either extend the charter or return them to VT.

VT's Integrated Logistics Division will fully support the ships in service, guaranteeing a greater amount of sea availability than currently afforded by the five Island Class ships.

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