Name Bridport Decommissioned 2004 Name Ugandi Launched 20 July 1992 Builder VT Group | Operator Royal Navy Fate Sold to Estonia Operator Estonian Navy Length 52 m | |
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EML Ugandi is a Sandown-class minehunter commissioned by the Estonian Navy in 2009. Ugandi is a former Royal Navy vessel HMS Bridport built by Woolston Yard of Southampton-based shipbuilders Vosper Thornycroft.
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The vessel is the third and final Sandown-class vessel which joined the naval force after its mine countermeasures vessel modernization programme. She is named after an ancient Estonian county Ugandi, between the east coast of Lake Võrtsjärv and west coast of Lake Pskov, bordered by Vaiga, Mõhu, Nurmekund, Sakala, Latgale, and Pskov. Ugandi is commanded by (Lt. Sr. Grade) Vanemleitnant Marek Mardo.
History
The former HMS Bridport was modernized and overhauled in Bay 1 of the Syncrolift at Rosyth. The project was started ahead of schedule to deconflict the programme. After a ceremony at the Fife yard the HMS Bridport became ENS Ugandi and joined the Mineships Division. She differs from the previous two Sandown-class vessels delivered to the Estonian Navy, as she has been fitted with a ZU-23-2 twin mount, 23mm cannon system and a Klein 5000 sidescan sonar.
The vessel carries clearance divers and Remote Control Mine Disposal Systems. Unlike the previous Lindau-class minehunter, the vessel was built from glass reinforced plastic to reduce her magnetic signature. Other parts of the ship were constructed from non-ferrous metals for a similar reason. They are propelled by Voith Schneider Propellers and are very maneuverable due to two bow thrusters which gives an advantage when working with mines.
The ship's motto is in Latin: Semper Ante - which in English means: "Always In Front". The coat of arms was designed by Priit Herodes.