The UK has signed an agreement to pursue the transfer of its Albion-class landing platform docks to the Brazilian Navy.
The cooperation supports London’s efforts to boost the capabilities of its Latin American ally for maritime presence, civil defense, emergency response, and other humanitarian obligations.
Both ships in the class, the HMS Albion (L14) and HMS Bulwark (L15), are expected to be delivered to Brazil after they retire from the Royal Navy by March 2025.
#AgênciaMarinha | Marinhas do Brasil e do Reino Unido firmam acordo para aquisição de navios. Renovação da parceria histórica aconteceu durante a maior e mais importante feira de defesa e segurança da América Latina.
Saiba mais: https://t.co/x4fw0XUoBz pic.twitter.com/SJWZU178Ys
— Marinha do Brasil (@marmilbr) April 3, 2025
In an update last January, the British government stated that the platforms’ disposal would save the UK about $11 million per year in sustainment costs compared to continuing their operation beyond their planned service life.
The two vessels were built by BAE Systems in the late 90s and have been operational since 2003.
The Albion Systems
The Albion-class ships were designed to replace the Royal Navy’s first purpose-built amphibious assault vessels, the Fearless-class systems, which were commissioned in 1965.
Each Albion measures 176 meters (577 feet) in length, accommodates more than 300 sailors, and has space for over 60 vehicles, four landing craft units, and a helicopter with dimensions similar to the Boeing CH-47 Chinook.
The hull is equipped with Wärtsilä diesel generators and a General Electric electric propulsion system, allowing speeds of 18 knots (33 kilometers/21 miles per hour) and a range of 8,000 miles (12,875 kilometers).
For firepower, the vessel is fitted with automated close-in weapon systems, belt-fed autocannons, and general-purpose machine guns.
