SOUTHAMPTON Water will soon see the next generation of Royal Fleet Auxiliary support vessels which will be based at the Marchwood Military Port.

The four new 16,160 tonne Bay class vessels will replace the ageing RFA Landing ships Logistic, Sir Percivale, Sir Geraint, Sir Tristram and Sir Galahad.

First of the class is due to enter service in 2004 and will be much larger, more versatile and capable than the existing ships.

The new ships will not have traditional funnels, as smoke from the diesel engines will be exhausted through vents on the stern.

Another first for major Ministry of Defence vessels is the two steerable thrusters which means the vessels will not be fitted with rudders.

The government has just placed a contract worth about £120m for the last two amphibious landing ships in the Bay class with BAE Systems Marine in Scotland.

The first and second ships are already being constructed by Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Limited which is providing lead yard services and common equipment for the whole class.

Major improvements over the present vessels include a considerable increase in vehicle-carrying capacity, larger flight deck and aviation support facilities and an internal floodable amphibious dock capable of operating landing craft.