Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron has taken full ownership of HMS Cutlass.  

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follow below:

HMS Cutlass has been in Gibraltar since November 21 and has been undertaking key sea  trials in order to be presented to the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron. 

Cutlass, built by Merseyside-based Marine Specialised Technology, is a smaller, faster and  more agile patrol boat that has been specifically designed with Gibraltar and BGTW in mind. The vessel can reach 40 knots compared to the previous 20 knots from HMS Dasher and  HMS Pursuer. Cutlass has modern optical and infra-red systems, enabling her to identify  and track potential threats at range. Unlike Dasher and Pursuer, many of the systems on  board are autonomous which aids the Crew in her operation, maintenance and response to  any unforeseen incidents. 

“We are delighted that HMS Cutlass has proven her capability during the manufacturers  trials and she is now ready to begin the Royal Navy safety and readiness checks,” said the  ship’s first Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Adam Colman. 

“She increases the Squadron’s capability in providing maritime security and demonstrating UK sovereignty of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters”. 

The Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron will begin a series of trials, exercises and training  supported by Flag Officer Sea Training in order to generate the vessel and her crew to full  operational capability in the Spring.  

A spokesman for MST said: “Marine Specialised Technology is extremely honoured to have  been asked to deliver the Royal Navy Patrol Launch project. This is the first project to be  launched which is a result of MST’s partnership with BMT Global Limited who assisted in the  design phase of these two prestigious states of the art crafts, and everyone is delighted with  the results.” 

“The transition of Cutlass to the Royal Navy is an extremely proud moment for MST and all  of its employees who have worked very hard to ensure this project has been the great  success it is.”