The Portsmouth-based offshore patrol vessel has spent seven months in dry dock at Babcock’s facility in Malta, undergoing work that included enhancements to her flight deck lighting system and navigational lights, as well as a full overhaul of her radar.
She also became the final ship in her class to receive the Royal Navy’s signature World War II-inspired dazzle camouflage.
HMS Trent previously spent nine months in the Caribbean in 2023, where she played a prominent role in anti-drug operations and regional support. Her mission included the Royal Navy’s first recorded interdiction of a narco-submarine carrying cocaine.
The patrol vessel will now conduct flying trials in UK waters to certify the newly installed flight deck lighting system, which replaces older LEDs with a more advanced configuration. This makes Trent the first Royal Navy ship to receive the upgraded lighting. Additional work included replacing her incandescent navigation lights with modern LEDs.
Reflecting on the extended maintenance period, Commanding Officer Commander Tim Langford said, “Our time in Malta has been invaluable. We’ve completed a comprehensive maintenance period that’s left the ship in an excellent condition, and the Ship’s Company has made the most of their time alongside.” He added, “Our focus is now towards regaining our aviation currency before resuming our operational duties in the Caribbean later in the year.”
During the deployment in Malta, Trent’s ship’s company also took part in local commemorations, including Remembrance services and VE Day events in Valletta, and participated in adventurous training activities such as kayaking, mountain biking and fishing.
Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering) Jack Fryer commented: “There’s been so much RN history that we’ve been able to explore. We’ve really been stepping in our forefathers’ footsteps; with the Royal Navy’s base of Mediterranean operations directly next to the dockyard.”
Before returning to the UK, HMS Trent will stop in Augusta, Sicily and Gibraltar. She is expected to resume her Caribbean duties in time for the annual hurricane season, which runs from June to November.