HMS Spey, the fifth and final River-class batch 2 offshore patrol vessel (OPV), departed BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow today on her delivery voyage to her new home of Portsmouth Naval Base.
Upon arriving into Portsmouth, HMS Spey will be officially handed over to the Royal Navy. Once commissioned, she will enter a period of ship’s staff workup and her first maintenance period under the contractor logistics support program (CLS) which will be delivered by BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business, which delivers upkeep and maintenance for the entire Royal Navy surface fleet based at Portsmouth.
HMS Spey’s departure marks the completion of the batch 2 OPV program build phase, which has seen BAE Systems design, construct, commission and deliver five River-class OPVs to the Royal Navy in six years.
Having recently completed a program of successful sea trials to fully test the vessel, HMS Spey will now join her four sister ships in the Royal Navy fleet. Thanks to a urea filter which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions from the diesel generators by about 90%, HMS Spey will be one of the most environmentally friendly ships to join the fleet.
“We are immensely proud of our role in delivering these ships to the Royal Navy and this is a landmark moment for the River-class batch 2 OPV program, which showcases the skills and expertise we have here on the Clyde,” Mike Macfarlane, OPV delivery director, BAE Systems Naval Ships, said.
“As the final OPV to leave the Clyde, we will be sad to see HMS Spey go, but wish her, her commanding officer and crew all the best in their new home with the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.”
