LONDON, — The United Kingdom has officially confirmed the sale of HMS Bulwark, an Albion-class amphibious assault ship, to the Brazilian Navy. The announcement was made by the UK Ministry of Defence on August 28, 2026, ending more than two decades of Royal Navy service for the ship.
In Brazilian service, the former HMS Bulwark is expected to be known as NDM Oiapoque. The transfer comes as the UK moves toward a new amphibious fleet being developed with the Netherlands.
UK Moving Toward New Amphibious Ships
The sale of Bulwark follows a £2.4 billion UK-Netherlands maritime partnership announced in July 2026. Under the programme, Britain and the Netherlands will develop a new fleet of amphibious transport ships.
The new ships will be about 160 metres long and displace 15,000 tonnes. Each country is expected to operate four vessels. They will be designed to transport troops, vehicles and equipment, while their flight decks will support current and future long-range drones and autonomous systems. The ships will be built in UK shipyards in cooperation with Dutch industry.
The programme is part of Britain's wider move toward a hybrid navy combining crewed warships with uncrewed and autonomous systems. The UK government has said the new amphibious fleet will provide a shared capability for British and Dutch forces and strengthen their ability to operate together within NATO.
UK Minister of State for Defence 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.”
HMS Bulwark's Amphibious Role
HMS Bulwark was commissioned in 2005 and became one of the Royal Navy's two Albion-class amphibious assault ships. Based at HM Naval Base Devonport, the ship was designed to transport Royal Marines, vehicles and equipment and land them ashore using landing craft and helicopters.
Its major amphibious feature is a floodable stern dock. By flooding the dock, the ship can launch its landing craft directly into the water. The Albion class operates LCU Mk10 landing craft, which can transport personnel and heavy vehicles, including a Challenger battle tank.
According to Royal Navy specifications, the Albion class has a displacement of 19,560 tonnes, a length of 176 metres, a maximum speed of 18 knots and a range of about 8,000 nautical miles. Bulwark has a crew of around 325 and can accommodate up to 405 additional troops, along with trucks, smaller vehicles and main battle tanks.
The ship's flight deck can support heavy-lift helicopters, including Chinooks, while its well deck provides the main sea-based route for amphibious landings.
More Than Two Decades of Royal Navy Service
During its Royal Navy career, Bulwark participated in amphibious deployments, humanitarian missions and multinational exercises.
In 2006, the ship supported the evacuation of civilians from Lebanon. It later served as the Royal Navy's Fleet Flagship from 2011 to 2015. Bulwark also provided maritime security support during the sailing events of the 2012 London Olympics.
The ship's role was not limited to combat operations. Its amphibious design also allowed it to support humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief missions by transporting personnel, vehicles, landing craft and supplies.
End of Albion-Class Service in Britain
The transfer of Bulwark follows Britain's decision to move away from the current Albion-class amphibious assault ships.
The Royal Navy's current information states that the Albion-class ships are being decommissioned, with amphibious support for the Royal Marines being provided by other vessels while the future amphibious fleet is developed.
HMS Albion's sister ship remains at Devonport pending disposal, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The decision to replace the capability provided by the Albion class is now linked to the new UK-Netherlands amphibious transport ship programme. The British government says the future ships will provide a modern, interoperable capability while also supporting the integration of drones and autonomous systems into amphibious operations.
Brazil to Receive Another Former Royal Navy Ship
The acquisition gives Brazil another major former Royal Navy vessel. The Brazilian Navy already operates the former HMS Ocean, which was sold to Brazil in 2018 and now serves as NAM Atlântico.
The future NDM Oiapoque will add an amphibious transport capability based around a floodable dock, landing craft and helicopter operations. This will allow the Brazilian Navy to transport troops, vehicles and equipment and conduct amphibious and humanitarian missions.
The former Bulwark is currently undergoing preparation in the United Kingdom ahead of its transfer. Brazilian personnel have also been involved in preparations for the ship's transition to Brazilian service. Recent reports from Brazil indicate that the vessel has already appeared with the Brazilian designation G350 during work in Plymouth, although the UK Ministry of Defence's official announcement remains the primary confirmation of the sale.
The transfer marks the end of HMS Bulwark's Royal Navy career while giving the Brazilian Navy an Albion-class amphibious platform as Britain develops its next generation of amphibious ships with the Netherlands.
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