Lloyd's Register (LR) has awarded approval in principle (AIP) to Vancouver-based naval architects Vard Marine for its design of an offshore patrol vessel (OPV).
The design of the 125-metre vessel can be tailored to a broad range of military and naval missions. Enhancements include an upgraded weapons and sensors package, reduced acoustic, magnetic, and infrared signatures, along with minimised radar cross-section, nuclear/biological/chemical defence, and improved damage control and survivability given compliance to military stability standards.
The vessel is offered as either a general purpose (GP) or anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant. The vessel arrangement offers a multi-mission bay and a set-down area for containerised mission payloads, with a configuration that can be tailored to meet a variety of mission objectives.
LR is the first classification society to award an AIP to the 125m OPV having completed an appraisal of the design, in accordance with the LR Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships. The vessel design carries LR notations ✠ 100A1 NS2 Offshore Patrol Vessel, SA1, ✠ LMC and PSMR*.