Converted OSV Enters Service in the UK as an Underwater Surveillance Ship
A converted offshore support vessel has taken on a new life as a dedicated underwater surveillance ship for the U.K.'s Royal Navy.Christened during a ceremony in London on October 10, RFA Proteus will be operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as a launchpad for remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV) and a home to a suite of specialist capabilities similar to those found in the offshore oil and gas industry.The ship, built in 2017 as a subsea construction vessel named Topaz Tangaroa, was acquired by the U.K. Ministry of Defense in January and converted at Cammell Laird for its new role as a
James Fisher Names Hales Head of Defense
leadership experience within the defense industry means he has a clear focus on customer needs and market opportunities," Vernet said.Hales has held leadership roles in the defense industry since 2014, most recently heading Serco’s Aviation and Maritime portfolio providing services to the U.K. Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and commercial customers. Hales also brings with him prior knowledge of James Fisher, having worked alongside its defense specialist - JFD - on the NATO Submarine Rescue System’s mothership.Hales said, "I’m honored to take on the position of Head of Defense
UK Navy Buys Mine-hunting ‘Mother Ship’
A specialist ship purchased by the U.K. Royal Navy to support mine-hunting operations has arrived in Plymouth.When deployed, the vessel will be based at Naval Base Clyde and used as a mother ship tp support the safeguarding of U.K. waters from the threat of mines at sea, operating a range of uncrewed systems that will help keep personnel at a safe distance under Project Wilton.Purchased from Norway's Island Offshore, the the 96.8-meter-long vessel – currently named Island Crown, but due to be renamed as it joins the fleet – arrived at HMNB Devonport, where it will undergo minimal
Babcock Wins £45 Million Contract to Maintain UK Research Vessels
in Rosyth, Scotland, for programmed maintenance and upgrade work. The deal includes an option for an additional two years.Babcock Rosyth holds a number of major build and maintenance contracts, including the Type 31 frigate newbuild program as well as maintenance, repairs and upgrades for the U.K. Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers.David Lockwood, Babcock CEO said, "We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to maintain this important NERC fleet."Our flexible and efficient solution will ensure the fleet is maintained to exceptional standards and optimize vessel availability in
New Tech Frontiers for Ocean Gliders
this was in the energy sector, with parent company Blue Ocean Monitoring doing tasks such as marine mammal monitoring during seismic acquisition campaigns. But Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems is now also working in the defence realm, including developing a towed array system for gliders under the UK Royal Navy’s Project HECLA.James King, Managing Director UK at Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems, says buoyancy driven gliders lend themselves to monitoring applications, thanks to their low noise footprint. Also, because they’re buoyancy driven, they use a small amount of power, so they can stay
UK Royal Navy Orders Crewless Submarine from MSubs
The UK Royal Navy has awarded a £15.4 million (currently around $18,8 million) contract for a crewless submarine to the Plymouth-based company MSubs. The submarine is expected to be delivered to the Navy in two years. The Navy expects the submarine to further advance the UK’s ability to protect our critical national infrastructure and monitor sub-sea activity."Project Cetus – named after a mythological sea monster – enhances the Royal Navy’s experimentation with autonomous underwater systems. It is the first step in developing an operational autonomous submarine
UK Navy Acquires Three REMUS 100 UUVs
Global defense and technologies partner HII announced Wednesday the delivery of three REMUS 100s unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to the U.K. Royal Navy. The new systems bring enhanced endurance and the latest generation of sensors and payloads, allowing for increased data quality and mission efficiency, HII said.“We’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the U.K. Royal Navy,” said Duane Fotheringham, president of the Unmanned Systems business group at HII’s Mission Technologies division. “Our newest REMUS 100s will bolster their existing fleet with
XLUUV: If You Build It, They Will Buy
In August, 2021, after years of delays, cost overruns, and rising tensions, the Australian government canceled a A$90 billion order with France’s Naval Group for 12 conventionally powered submarines intended to replace the Royal Australian Navy (RAN)’s aging fleet of six Collins-class attack subs. Overnight, the future of the RAN’s undersea warfare capability was cast into uncertainty. The very next month, however, the United States and the United Kingdom announced a plan to help Australia fill the void, offering to assist in the design, development, and construction of a new fleet
UK Royal Navy Testing Crewless Minehunter
The U.K. Royal Navy said it is testing a new crewless minehunter as part of its drive toward autonomous systems.Developed through a joint Anglo-French Maritime Mine Counter Measures program, the system is designed to detect the latest mine threats while reducing the risk to the lives of those searching for them. It comprises an uncrewed surface vessel, towed sonar and a portable operation center, and is now undergoing rigorous capability development trials.Demonstrators have been delivered to both the Royal and French Navies, the U.K. model handed over in Plymouth by Thales UK, OCCAR and Defense
February 2024
