HMS Forth, the Royal Navy’s newest warship, has been officially accepted by the new Minister for Defence Procurement. After successful maiden sea trials last month, Guto Bebb accepted the warship at a ceremony today in Glasgow. When speaking to Forces News, the Minister said: “This will be a significant contribution to the navy capabilities that we have, it’s a great day and a day of celebration.”

The new Minister for Defence Procurement spoke on board the new warship

Before sailing south to Portsmouth HMS Forth will undergo additional at the request of the Ministry of Defence. Despite spending more time than anticipated at Scotstoun, today marked a proud day for the workers on the Clyde who have spent months getting the first of the five Offshore Patrol Vessel to this stage. The Minister of Defence Procurement added: “I think the fact that it has been accepted is fantastic news obviously it shows the commitment of the workforce here and it shows that when we put our mind to it we can produce a ship of this complexity on the Clyde.”

Hugely exciting day as FORTH sails for sea trials. Under her own power for the first time. #RoyalNavy#HMSFORTHpic.twitter.com/cINMxxa5Ti — HMS Forth (@HMS_Forth) August 30, 2017

HMS Forth is the latest in a long line of naval ships built on the Clyde, but the pace of production shows no sign of slowing as workers ensure the next generation of the Royal Navy is kept well-equipped. The first steel was cut on HMS Glasgow last year and work has already started on the second stage of construction of the frigate. BAE Systems is also working on the new Type 26 project.