Outbound for Porto Grande, Cape Verde. HMS Protector had arrived 26/10/2023 into Gibraltar from Devonport.
Hull built by Western Shiprepair Yard, Klaipeda, Lithuania & fitted out at Havyard Leirvik, Norway as MV Polarbjorn.
Laid down 30/09/2000
Launched 21/07/2001
Completed 22/10/2001
During April 2011 she was chartered to the Royal Navy.
Commissioned into the Royal Navy 23/06/2011
In September 2013 the Ministry of Defence purchased her outright.