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Portsmouth-built Caribbean patrol boat is unveiled
Fireworks and fierce winds met Caribbean visitors at Portsmouth Naval Base as they saw their new ship named.
Sailors and dignitaries from Trinidad and Tobago watched the unveiling of their 90-metre patrol boat, one of three built in a 150m contract.
With the smash of a bottle of Angostura rum and bright red fireworks, the Port of Spain was officially named after the republic's capital.
Sponsor Mrs Yasmin Huggins, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, who named the boat yesterday afternoon, said: 'This is a proud day for the Port of Spain.
'These ships will provide our government with an advanced naval capability to strengthen our maritime and regional security.
'And they will enable the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard to deliver rapid disaster relief across the region.'
The second vessel was due to be launched on the Clyde today, bound for use in the Atlantic off the coast of South America.
And the contract is a boost for defence giant BAE Systems as it tries to develop exports to be worked on at Portsmouth Naval Base.
Alan Johnston, managing director of BAE Systems' surface ships arm, said: 'This is a great event and gives us real momentum – our work on this ship has been going at a rate of knots.
'Our customers are delighted with the outcome, and you have to remember that this is a major defence investment for them.'
BAE will provide training and a five-year support package, while the Ministry of Defence will advise Trinidad and Tobago on sea training for its coastguard workers.
Lord Davies, Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business, said: 'I am delighted that the UK is able to provide Trinidad and Tobago with these highly capable ships.
'The government will work with BAE Systems and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard to make sure the crews get the most out of their new vessels.'
The three vessels – which can carry 60 people – will perform special operations and maritime law enforcement.
The first ship is being built in Portsmouth, while the second and third are being built at BAE's yard at Scotstoun on the Clyde in Scotland.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
