The UK Ministry of Defence plans to replace its existing fleet of ISLAND Class vessels took a significant step forward with the announcement that Vosper Thornycroft has been awarded a contract to lease three new ships to the Royal Navy and support them in service for five years. The first of the new class is expected to be in service in September 2002 with the other two ships following at six-monthly intervals. Vosper Thornycroft will build all three ships at its Woolston shipyard.

The new ships will be bigger and better than the ISLAND Class they replace, and will be available for patrol duty and fishery protection for almost twice as many days a year. This means three ships can carry out the same tasks as the five they replace. There will be savings on the costs of operating and supporting the existing ISLAND Class, which will be paid off as the new ships enter service. The contract also provides for Vosper Thornycroft to support the ISLAND Class vessels whilst they remain in service.