(9th April 2001)
HMS Shoreham Launched
The twelfth and last Sandown Class Single Role Minehunter, HMS Shoreham (M112), has been launched at Vosper Thornycroft's Woolston shipyard. The ceremony was performed by Lady Nicola Perowne, wife of Admiral Sir James Perowne, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic and Controller of the Navy. Minister for Defence Procurement, Baroness Symons said
"HMS Shoreham will be a powerful addition to the Royal Navy's mine warfare forces when she joins the fleet next year. She and her sister ships are widely recognised as among the very best of their kind in the world."
Shoreham was launched 90% complete and with her 30mm Bofor gun already installed, making her one of the first Royal Navy warships launched with a gun already in place.
The launch of Shoreham marks the end of the Sandown Class construction programme. The twelve vessels have provided almost constant work for Southampton based shipbuilders Vosper Thornycroft since 1987. The company is expecting to finalise a contract in the near future with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the construction and lease of three new Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Above: HMS Shoreham (M112) emerges stern first from the shiphall and enters the water for the first time. © Crown Copyright/MOD.