Naval

Successful trials conducted on new 19m patrol craft for Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron

Baird Maritime

UK naval architects BMT and the Marine Specialised Technology Group (MST Group) have completed conducting the initial trials of the first of two new 19-metre high-speed patrol craft slated for the Gibraltar Squadron of the Royal Navy.

The future HMS Cutlass was subjected to rigorous trials to test all systems and performance against a set of requirements specified by the navy.

BMT said the latest trials showed that the craft's three Volvo D13 engines driving triple MJP 350X waterjets enable it to surpass the navy's speed requirements.

The designer added that the hull form offers enhanced seakeeping characteristics while Humphree stabilisation fins enable safe operation under even the most extreme sea states.

The future Cutlass is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2022. Sister boat HMS Dagger will be handed over early the following year.