DSEi 2023

The biennial Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade show takes place at the ExCel exhibition centre in mid September and brings a number of visiting vessels to the waters of the Royal Docks.

The following vessels took part in DSEI 2023:

HMS Iron Duke F234 – Type 23 Frigate.

The Frigate arrived with Wildcat HMA2 ZZ518 on the aft deck.

Two Archer Class patrol vessels, HMS Pursuer P273 and HMS Puncher P291.

BNS Castor

HNLMS De Ruyter F804

FGS Baden-Württemberg F222 – cancelled.

A number of smaller patrol craft were expected to operate in the Royal Victoria Dock to do capability demonstrations but for some reason these were cancelled, seemingly at short notice as the event’s website still refers to “Waterborne Demonstrations”.

The only additional vessel was the MAST13 technology demonstrator which presumably arrived by road.

The phase 3 development of ExCel has removed the Eastern Carpark area which had been used as an exhibition area, including for helicopters, but the works are at a stage whereby all of that space is no longer available.

The loss of dock edge access was probably a factor in the lack of smaller craft attending the show as this Eastern area had been used as the operating base for such vessels in the past.

Once again the British weather intervened and caused the cancellation of the Red Arrows fly-past that was due to be part of the opening ceremony.

As with all events there are lots of supporting activities that help to prepare and support the main activities. The following vessels are known to have supported this event.

VESSEL	Role
PLASHY	Pontoon towage
ANITA	Rubbish Barge
OASIS	Fresh Water Tanker
ROSE STEEL	Pontoon towage
CHRISTINE	Docks vessel towage
DEVOUT	Docks vessel towage
VB PETER	River vessel towage
VB BENELUX	River vessel towage
RT AMBITION	River vessel towage
PATRICK COLQUHOUN II	Security
RIBCRAFT RIB (MPS Diver Support)	Security
MILPRO RIB	Security