Southampton's Vosper Thornycroft (VT) is set to clinch a major overseas order to build a new corvette for the Hellenic Navy.

This latest success for the Hampshire-based group, now one of the leading providers of products and services primarily to governments in Europe, the USA and the Middle East, comes as VT launches the second offshore patrol vessel for the Royal Navy and also officially hands over the first new Echo class survey ship to the Ministry of Defence.

In partnership with Elefsis Shipyards, VT has been named as the preferred supplier for a 415 million euro contract to build the new corvette. A contract is expected to be signed by the first part or the middle of next year.

The consortium is already building three 62 metre fast attack craft for the Hellenic Navy, with the first of these ships having been launched in Greece last month.

The corvette programme also includes an option for the Hellenic Navy to order a further ship.

VT shipbuilding managing director, Andrew Bunney, said: "The Hellenic Navy recognises that VT has some of the most effective fast attack craft and corvette designs in the world and we are delighted to be playing our part in enhancing the navy's

capability.''

Last week, at its Woolston shipyard, VT launched HMS Severn, one of the new River class offshore patrol vessels the group is building for the Royal Navy under a unique lease deal with the Ministry of Defence.

HMS Severn is the penultimate ship to be constructed at the Woolston site which is gradually being run-down as VT moves its shipbuilding operation from Southampton to new facilities at Portsmouth in readiness for the Type 45 destroyer contract.

HMS Mersey, the third vessel in this class, is due to named and launched in Southampton next spring.

The oceanographic and hydrographic survey ship, HMS Echo was handed over by VT to the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Naval Base.

VT was appointed prime contractor in June 2000 to build HMS Echo and a sister ship, HMS Enterprise, which will follow next year, and sub-contracted the construction to Appledore Shipbuilders in Devon.