Princess Royal To Launch New RN Assault Ships
02 Feb 2001
Ref 010/2001
The Royal Navy's amphibious capability will be significantly boosted when the Princess Royal launches the first of a new class of assault ships at the BAE Systems Barrow-in-Furness shipyard next month.
HMS Albion and her sister ship Bulwark, which is also under construction at the BAE Systems yard, are designed to transport a military force of 300 Royal Marine commandos and other troops plus support equipment, including main battle tanks, across open oceans.
The ships will support landings on hostile shores using new improved landing craft and helicopters and will coordinate amphibious operations with a state of the art combined operations room complex equipped with integrated command, control and communications.
Known as Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), Albion and Bulwark will be 16,000 tonnes and 176m long with crews of 325. Powered by quiet and efficient diesel electric propulsion, they will be capable of carrying 67 vehicles and trailers, six tanks and six light guns together with eight landing craft and two helicopters, including Merlin and Chinook.
Simon Kirby, managing director of BAE Systems Marine, said: "We are looking forward immensely to welcoming Her Royal Highness to the shipyard on March 9th for the launch of HMS Albion. It will be an important and enjoyable day for our customer, the company, the town and our suppliers, as this major Royal Navy vessel takes to the water for the first time."
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