HMS Tyne, the first in a new generation of fishery protection vessels for the Royal Navy has been launched at Vosper Thornycroft's shipyard in Woolston, Southampton.

The 80-metre offshore patrol vessel is one of three River Class ships that are being brought into service in an agreement that is thought to be unique in recent years.

VT is funding the £60m cost of the vessels and chartering them to the Royal Navy, initially for a period of five years.

It is believed that never before has the Royal Navy operated ships under such an agreement with private industry and at the end of the five years the Ministry of Defence will have the option to extend the charter, hand the ships back or purchase them outright.

During the initial five years charter VT will also take on full support responsibility to ensure the ships fulfill their operation capability.

Andrew Bunney, VT shipbuilding managing director, said: "This agreement for the operation of warship is unprecedented in the annals of the Royal Navy and quite possibly worldwide.

"It is an initiative developed by VT that saves the MoD money and allows the Royal Navy to benefit from our expertise in shipbuilding and ship support.''

The three River Class will replace five smaller Island Class ships, which will be disposed of by VT as the new vessels enter service.

HMS Tyne and her sister ships will have state-of-the-art machinery control systems supplied by VT and the latest navigation and communication systems.

One of the major assets of the ship is a large working deck which can accommodate up to seven containers, enabling the ship to carry elements such as additional stores, workshops, mine counter measure support equipment, a diving recompression chamber or medical facilities.

Alternatively, the space can be used to carry small vehicles or special forces equipment.

MHS Tyne, launched by Lady Squire, wife of Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, chief of the air staff, is expected to be handed over to the Fisher Protection Squadron in November.