Platform supply vessels already possess many qualities wanted in an offshore patrol ship and are produced in large numbers for the energy industry. Market downturns can put more of them on the second-hand market when operators cut exploration or support activity. Navies repeatedly consider these vessels, then often choose a new-build OPV. A new order can preserve a specialist naval yard when the fleet is not buying enough warships to keep it busy. The criticism is that insufficient work raises a harder choice: either those specialist yards are unnecessary, or the fleet is ordering too few warships.
Notable Point · 45:01-46:48
Platform supply vessels expose an OPV procurement choice
Commercial supply vessels often fit patrol needs and become available during energy downturns, but new OPV orders may be serving shipyard policy too.