A computer-guided laser cut of the first piece of hull marked the first step of construction at BAE Systems’ shipyards on the Clyde.
HMS Trent will join HMS Forth and HMS Medway as the new fleet of OPVs, taking part in counter terror, piracy and smuggling operations to defend British Waters.
Defence Minister, Philip Dunne, said: “These new ships will provide an important capability to the Royal Navy and our Armed Forces. They will perform vital tasks in defending the nation’s interests around the world.
“This investment forms part of over £160 billion in our ten year Equipment Plan which is funded out of the newly protected Defence budget.
“Manufacture of these ships sustains over 800 quality engineering jobs here in Scotland, ensuring that the shipyards on the Clyde continue to sit at the heart of a thriving naval shipbuilding capability. They are paving the way for work to begin on our new T26 frigates next year.”
Director Ships Support at the MOD’s Defence, Equipment and Support organisation, Neal Lawson, said: “HMS Trent, along with HMS Forth and HMS Medway, will provide the Royal Navy with the flexibility to operate in a wide variety of roles in UK waters and overseas. More capable than the existing River class, they will have a flight deck to take the latest Merlin helicopters, fire fighting equipment, and increased storage capacity and accommodation.
“But the importance of this programme is not only that the OPVs will have the latest technology in new ships, but also that the build programme acts as a stepping stone to work on our future multi-mission warship, the Type 26 Global Combat Ship.”
