Royal Navy’s newest OPV nearing completion of trials

The future Royal Navy River-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) HMS Spey is expected to complete its trials before the end of October.

Spey is undergoing fine-tuning and final tweaks following a 10-day workout around the Firth of Clyde and waters of western Scotland before preparing for a long-term mission to protect Britain’s interests in other areas of the world.

Upon arrival in Portsmouth later this month, there will be further trials and training. The ship will then be formally transferred to the navy and commissioned, before being ready for front-line operations by the early summer of 2021.

See all the other news, reviews and features of this month’s Maritime Security Week right here.