Why River-class frigates suited merchant shipyards

The dry-dock walkaround gives a close view of the construction choices behind the River class. Riveted plating used methods already familiar to merchant yards, widening the pool of firms that could build wartime escorts. A hull formed near merchant standards reduced dependence on specialist naval facilities. The decision linked naval architecture directly to industrial mobilisation because more yards understood how to make the ship. The visible rivet lines and plating show how design choices helped the Allies expand escort production.