Construction of Largs Bay commenced at Swan Hunter on the Tyne in January 2002. The class replaced Sir Geraint, Sir Tristram and Sir Percival of the 30-year-old Sir Bedivere class Landing Ships Logistic (LSL) and Sir Galahad, commissioned in 1987, decommissioned in 2006.
The Bay class provides more than twice the lift capacity of the Sir Bedivere class and the vehicle deck can accommodate 24 Challenger 2 main battle tanks or more than 150 light jeeps.