It is thought to be the first time the Royal Navy has operated ships under such an agreement with private industry and at the end of the five years the Ministry of Defence will have the option to extend the charter, hand the ships back or purchase them outright. During the initial five year charter VT will also take on full support responsibility to ensure the ships fulfil their operational capability.

HMS Tyne and her sister ships utilise a double chine hull form and have been designed by VT assisted by Three Quays Marine.

They will provide an improved seakeeping performance compared to the Island Class and a much higher grade of accommodation. Two main engines rated 4,125kW at 1,000rpm will propel the fully loaded vessel at up to 20 knots.

The ships will have the latest machinery control systems supplied by VT Controls and the latest navigation and communication systems. They will also carry two Halmatic Pacific 22 MkII boarding and rescue boats with dedicated single man operation davits and RIB tracking systems. A large working deck can accommodate up to seven containers, enabling the ship to carry elements such as additional stores, workshops, a diving recompression chamber or medical facilities.

MJ Information No: 17210