HMS Venturer (P68)

HMS Venturer (P68) is a Batch 3 River-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) of the British Royal Navy. She is the second ship to bear the name, the first being a World War II era submarine famous for sinking a German U-boat.

Venturer is primarily tasked with maritime security, patrol, and constabulary duties in UK waters. She can be deployed for tasks such as fisheries protection, border security, and counter-terrorism operations. Her capabilities include a flight deck capable of supporting a Merlin helicopter, a large clear working deck aft, and advanced sensors.

Construction of Venturer began in October 2018 at BAE Systems' Govan shipyard on the River Clyde in Glasgow. She was launched in 2020 and commissioned into the Royal Navy in early 2021. She entered service alongside her sister ships in the River-class, augmenting the Royal Navy's capabilities in UK waters and freeing up larger warships for more demanding global deployments. Her home port is HMNB Portsmouth.

The Batch 3 River-class vessels, including Venturer, are significantly larger and more capable than the earlier Batch 1 River-class ships, allowing for extended deployments and a greater operational range. This enhanced capability contributes to the Royal Navy's ability to maintain a persistent presence in UK waters and respond effectively to a range of maritime threats and challenges.