Walney Channel

A new Astute-class submarine has taken to open water for the first time, marking a key step towards operational deployment.

HMS Agamemnon, a 7,400-tonne, 97-metre long attack vessel, undertook her maiden journey, which began by transversing BAE Systems' shipyard dock system to reach the Walney Channel and on into the Irish Sea.

HMS Agamemnon will now undertake sea trials before joining fellow hunter-killer submarines HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious and HMS Anson in operational service with the Royal Navy.

Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems' submarines business, said the Astute-class submarines are equipped with the latest technologies to silently circumnavigate the globe without servicing, while fulfilling a range of tactical roles for the Royal Navy.