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Royal Navy assault ship Bulwark launched at Barrow

15 Nov 2001

HMS Bulwark, the second of a new class of assault ships for the Royal Navy, was launched at the BAE Systems shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness on November 15th at 10.20am. The ship will be named by Lady Walker, the wife of General Sir Michael Walker, Chief of the General Staff.

Bulwark and sister ship, HMS Albion, also being built at Barrow, are known as Landing Platform Docks (LPDs). They are designed to transport an embarked military force of around 300 people, plus their equipment, vehicles, and stores, across open oceans and land them on hostile shores using landing craft and helicopters. They can also co-ordinate amphibious operations through their integrated command, control, and communications systems.

Bulwark is 176m long, with a deep displacement of 18,450 tonnes, has diesel-electric propulsion with an estimated range of 8,000 nautical miles at 15 knots, and carries a crew of 325.

Following launch, Bulwark will be fitting out until commencing contractor's sea trials in February 2003. The ship is programmed for acceptance by the Ministry of Defence at the end of March that year.

Simon Kirby, managing director of BAE Systems Marine, said: "Bulwark's launch is a visible example of the high level of teamwork which is vital to any successful project, and an illustration of the skills, expertise, and sheer hard work contributed by everyone involved. We look forward to maintaining the excellent co-operation between BAE Systems, our customer, and our suppliers as Bulwark moves further into the outfitting phase, leading to hand over in 2003."