Vosper Thornycroft (VT), the UK-based shipbuilding, support services and marine products group, has signed a contract with Elefsis Shipbuilding and Industrial Enterprises, Greece, for the supply of three 62m Fast Attack Craft to the Hellenic Navy. The contract signing (7 January) follows a period of negotiations after VT was named as the preferred supplier in September last year. VT will provide design, construction support, ship’s equipment and logistic support services to Elefsis in contract worth around £200m. Work will start immediately.
The initial requirement is for three craft. Part of the agreement includes provision of two Royal Navy Hunt Class mine countermeasure vessels identified as surplus to requirements in the UK Strategic Defence Review.
The Super Vita Class will be the most advanced Fast Attack Craft in the world and will add considerably to the capability of the Hellenic Navy. It is based on VT vessels already successfully in service with the Qatar Emiri Navy and comes from a proven pedigree of similar-sized fast attack craft that has also seen VT build for Oman and other countries.
The vessel comprises a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with speeds of around 35 knots. Weapons include one 76mm gun, two 30mm guns, surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, with the platform flexible enough to provide missile options.
Above: 56 metre Fast Attack Craft,
built for the Qatar Emiri Navy.