HMS Bulwark, one of the Royal Navy’s two Albion-class amphibious assault ships, is set to be transferred to the Brazilian Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on 28 August 2026.
The move will end more than 20 years of Royal Navy service for the vessel, as the UK shifts its focus toward a new generation of amphibious transport ships under a joint programme with the Netherlands.
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Commissioned in 2005 and based at HM Naval Base Devonport, HMS Bulwark played a central role in operations ranging from amphibious deployments and humanitarian missions to multinational exercises.
During its career, Bulwark served as the Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship between 2011 and 2015, supported evacuation operations in Lebanon in 2006, and contributed maritime security during the sailing events at the 2012 London Olympics.
In Brazil, she will sail under a new name, NDM Oiapoque.
HMS Albion, the other ship of the class, will remain at Devonport awaiting disposal, the MoD stated.
Earlier this year, the Ministry retained the assault ship at HMNB Devonport at a cost of around £2m per year, to support the renewal of HMS Bulwark.
The announcement from the UK MoD follows a contract signed with the Brazilian Navy for the acquisition of HMS Bulwark for £20m.
This sale also coincides with confirmation of a £2.4bn ($3.2bn) UK-Netherlands partnership to build a new fleet of amphibious transport ships, replacing the capabilities provided by the Albion class.
These new vessels, to be built in Britain in collaboration with Dutch industry, are intended to support both nations’ armed forces and sustain hundreds of UK shipbuilding jobs.
The ships, each 160m long and displacing 15,000t, are designed to transport troops, vehicles and equipment, and feature flight decks capable of operating current and future drones as well as autonomous systems.
According to the MoD, the future amphibious fleet will form the backbone of a strengthened UK-Netherlands amphibious force, with each country set to operate four vessels.
The programme aims to reinforce Nato’s northern and Atlantic flanks by delivering a shared, interoperable capability.
The UK MoD, Minister of State Lord Coaker said: “HMS Bulwark served this country and our allies with distinction for over two decades, and I’m pleased that she will continue her story in Brazilian service, with a nation that has long stood alongside us as a defence partner.
“This partnership with the Netherlands marks a real step forward for our Armed Forces, giving our personnel the modern, interoperable capability they need to operate alongside our allies for decades to come.”
