EML Ugandi (M315)

EML Ugandi M315
History
United Kingdom
Name: HMS Bridport
Builder: Vosper Thornycroft
Launched: 20 July 1992
Commissioned: 6 November 1993
Decommissioned: 2004
Identification: Pennant number M105
Fate: Sold to Estonia
Estonia
Name: Ugandi
Acquired: 2006
In service: 22 January 2009
Homeport: Tallinn
Motto: Semper Ante
Status: Active
General characteristics
Class and type: Sandown-class minehunter
Displacement: 450 tons full
Length: 52.6 m (172.6 ft)
Beam: 10.5 m (34.4 ft)
Draught: 2.4 m (7.9 ft)
Propulsion:
Speed:
  • 13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph) diesel
  • 6.5 knots (12.0 km/h; 7.5 mph) electric
Complement: 7 officers, 18 sailors
Sensors and
processing systems:
  • Type 1007 navigation radar
  • Klein 5000 sidescan sonar
  • Thales Underwater Systems 2093
Armament:
Notes: Built of glass reinforced plastic

EML Ugandi is a Sandown-class minehunter commissioned by the Estonian Navy in 2009. Ugandi is a former British Royal Navy vessel HMS Bridport built by Woolston Yard of Southampton-based shipbuilders Vosper Thornycroft.

The ship is the third and final Sandown-class vessel which joined the naval force after its mine countermeasures vessel modernization programme.[1] She is named after an ancient Estonian county Ugandi, between the east coast of Lake Võrtsjärv and west coast of Lake Pskov, bordered by Vaiga, Mõhu, Nurmekund, Sakala, Latgale, and Pskov. Ugandi is commanded by (Lt. Sr. Grade) Vanemleitnant Marek Mardo.[2]

History

Bridport was built by Woolston Yard of Southampton-based shipbuilders Vosper Thornycroft as one of the 12 ship class of Sandown-class minehunters.

In July 2004, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that as part of the restructuring of the Navy, the two oldest and one other Sandown-class minehunters would be retired by April 2005. Bridport was decommissioned and was then laid up awaiting a buyer or disposal. In September 2006, Estonia signed a contract to acquire the three vessels.

Modernization

The former HMS Bridport was modernized and overhauled in Bay 1 of the Syncrolift at Rosyth. The project was started ahead of schedule to deconflict the programme.[3] After a ceremony at the Fife yard Bridport became ENS Ugandi and joined the Mineships Division.[4] She differs from the previous two Sandown-class vessels delivered to the Estonian Navy, as she has been fitted with a ZU-23-2 twin mount, 23mm cannon system[2] and a Klein 5000 sidescan sonar.[1]

The vessel carries clearance divers and Remote Control Mine Disposal Systems. Unlike the previous Lindau-class minehunter, the vessel was built from glass reinforced plastic to reduce her magnetic signature. Other parts of the ship were constructed from non-ferrous metals for a similar reason. They are propelled by Voith Schneider Propellers and are very maneuverable due to two bow thrusters which gives an advantage when working with mines.[5]

The ship's motto is in Latin: Semper Ante - which in English means: "Always In Front". The coat of arms was designed by Priit Herodes.

Affiliations

References

  1. 1 2 Another Sandown-class minehunter was handed over to Estonia
  2. 1 2 TV3: "Ugandi" anti Eestile üle
  3. ↑ The Big Picture: Blasting ahead Ugandi
  4. ↑ Ships head from Rosyth to join Estonian Navy
  5. ↑ Warships of the Royal Navy: Sandown class


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