Pictured: RFA Proteus alongside HMS Belfast in London, on Monday 9th October 2023, ahead of her Service of Dedication on Tuesday 10th October 2023.
Image: MOD Crown Copyright 2023
The UK today has a new ship dedicated to monitoring the ocean depths.
Dedicated at a ceremony in the heart of the nation’s capital, RFA Proteus will serve as the launchpad for remotely operated vehicles and a home to a suite of specialist capabilities similar to those found in the oil and gas industries.
The ship, which will be operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – the crucial support arm of the Royal Navy – was formally dedicated on the Thames in the presence of the RFA Commodore-in Chief, Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, and businesswoman Akshata Murty, the wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who will be Proteus’ Sponsor throughout the ship’s active life.