Defence Online

Babcock secures fourth Irish OPV for Appledore

Maritime June 13, 2016

Babcock International Group has been awarded a contract extension by Ireland’s Department of Defence, to provide a new Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) for the Irish Naval Service (INS). This is the fourth OPV, in the same class, to be built at Babcock’s Appledore shipbuilding facility in North Devon.

The project will provide continuity of work at the Appledore facility for around two years, and sustain a workforce of some 280 workers.

The new vessel follows the successful build and launch of two earlier OPVs for the Irish Naval Service at Appledore: LÉ Samuel Beckett and second in class LÉ James Joyce. A third ship, LÉ William Butler Yeats, is currently being built and is due to embark on sea trials in July 2016.

The as yet unnamed fourth OPV will be due for completion in summer 2018 and will support the Irish Naval Service for decades to come.

John Howie, Divisional CEO of Babcock’s Marine and Technology businesses said: “We are really delighted to continue to support the Irish Naval Service with these important vessels. Our firm role is to safely provide cost-effective, value for money naval platforms that underpin our customer’s increasing requirements to protect their coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone, further enhancing border control capability and maritime security.”

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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.