New Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel named HMS Trent

Cadets and dignitaries gathered at the Glasgow shipyard where she was built yesterday for the ceremony – which saw a bottle of locally-distilled gin smashed against her side.

The 90m warship will sail from Govan to Scotstoun this week to be fitted for sea trials.

She will be armed with a medium-calibre gun and a flight deck able to hold a Merlin helicopter.

Sir Simon Bollom, chief of materiel (ships) for Defence, Equipment and Support – the government’s procurement agency – said: ‘This is another welcome milestone in the delivery of the Royal Navy’s new offshore patrol vessel fleet.’

After sea trials, bosses say HMS Trent will enter operation later this year.