KV Sortland

The Norwegian Coastguard vessel KV Sortland returned to Leith between 22nd - 25th February to offload the Nato Submarine vessel.

She was previously in the port at the begining of last week click HERE for photos of her arriving

She is seen here alongside on the 23rd February.

HMS Portland F79

Hms Portland is a type 23 frigate in the Royal Navy she is one of the youngest in her class having been commissioned in 2001.

Portland completed a major 50 week upkeep period at Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard in 2012.  However a few problems came to light during her post refit trials including problems with her gyros which resulted in an emergency dry docking at the Rosyth yard at the end of January. 

She is seen here departing (again) on the 15^th February 2013 having completed her emergency repairs.

HMS Portland will undertake a further three months of sea trials before returning to Fleet and operational duties in early spring of 2013.

More information and further photos of Hms Portland can be seen here 

KV Sortland

Barentshav-class offshore patrol vessels

KV Sortland is one of three Barentshav class offshore patrol vessel built for the Norwegian Coastguard. Barentshav and Bergen are the other two vessels.

The class is claimed to be the world’s most energy efficient and environmentally friendly Coast Guard vessels due to the use of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) as the primary fuel source.

W340  Barentshav

W341  Bergen

W342  Sortland

The class are 92 meters in length and displace around 3,200 tons, they have a top speed of 16.5 knots on gas, 18.5 knots on diesel and 20 knots on combined gas/diesel, the ships are manned with a compliment of up to 40, the ships are also ice strengthened.

The Barentshav class will be equipped ready for the NATO Submarine Rescue System.

Kv Bergen is seen HERE in Leith in February 2012.

Kv Sortland is seen here arriving and alongside in Leith on 10^th February 2013 on the same berth.