A guide to RFA Proteus – the UK’s new seabed warfare vessel
As the first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ship is formally named and brought into service today, we have compiled a basic guide to the ship and its potential future operations.
MV Topaz Tangaroa arrived at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead in January 2023 and finally left the yard after a somewhat delayed conversion process on 16th September. Formerly flying a flag of convenience, RFA Proteus is now registered in the UK and operating under Maritime and Coastguard (MCA) safety regulations which complicated the ‘light-touch’ conversion. Besides being entirely painted in Pusser’s grey, much improving her appearance, it is believed she has received military communications equipment. No light self-protection armament has yet been fitted but this may be added at a later date.
She conducted a brief workup off Portland before arriving in London, coming alongside HMS Belfast on the evening of 6th October ahead of the official naming ceremony. Her initial period in service will be limited as she will need to return to Merseyside by the end of the year to be dry-docked for her Lloyds survey inspection which is due every 5 years. This will probably be undertaken in parallel with additional capability insertion work.
RFA Proteus will be dedicated to safeguarding Critical Undersea Infrastructure (CUI) following increasing concern about the vulnerability of communications cables and energy pipelines to interference by hostile states. MROS a high-profile project for the Navy, was initiated under the guidance of former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace who understandably cancelled the National Flagship project in favour of MROS. Despite being a ‘good news story’ with significant public resonance, in a bizarre communications management decision, the MoD has excluded journalists from visiting the ship or covering the naming ceremony.
Continues at -
https://www.navylookout.com/a-guide-to- ... re-vessel/You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
