MORE than 10,000 coders, engineers, scientists, submariners and technicians across the UK worked on the construction of HMS Anson which has set sail from Barrow.

Crowds lined the town's shores and docks to catch a glimpse of one of the world’s most advanced marine military vessels which set off on its maiden journey on Sunday (February 19).

HMS Anson, the fifth Astute class submarine, which BAE Systems has designed and built for the Royal Navy, departed the company's shipyard in Barrow and head out to open sea for the first time.

After being guided through the shipyard's dock system and rounding the tip of Walney Island, HMS Anson began her maiden journey to His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, home of the UK's Submarine Service.

She will undertake sea trials before joining HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful and HMS Audacious, in operational service with the Royal Navy.

One of the most sophisticated underwater vessels ever built, HMS Anson represents £1.3 billion of UK investment.

READ MORE: Astute class nuclear submarine HMS Anson leaves BAE Systems in Barrow

More than 11 years in the making, the departure of HMS Anson is a significant moment for the UK’s submarine manufacturing industry.

The construction of HMS Anson has included more than 10,000 coders, engineers, scientists, submariners and technicians across the UK.

Capable of defending the UK’s interests at home and overseas, HMS Anson will be armed with up to 38 Spearfish Heavyweight Torpedoes, and Block V Tomahawk land attack missiles, able to tackle targets at a range of up to 1,000 miles.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor, the boat will also be operational for 25 years without refuelling.

Dr Tim Sheldon, director submarines acquisition for the Submarine Delivery Agency, said:

“We commend the tremendous effort by all those involved across the UK in the delivery of HMS Anson to the Royal Navy.

“Her departure from Barrow is a major milestone, not only in her journey to full operational service, but for the Astute programme as a whole.”

Commanding officer of HMS Anson, Cdr David ‘Bing’ Crosby, said: “My team and I are grateful to all across the build enterprise and SDA who have made HMS ANSON such a formidable submarine.  We are eagerly looking forward to putting the boat through her paces on sea trials, realising her full potential and joining our colleagues on the Clyde – the home of the Royal Navy Submarine Service.”

The final two submarines in the class – Agamemnon and Agincourt – are in various stages of construction at Barrow.