The Ministry of Defence announced on 2nd December 2012 that it has extended its 2008 contract by five years for A&P Group to continue supporting and maintaining Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships at home and abroad.
Head of Commercially Supported Shipping for Defence, Equipment and Support, Commodore (RFA) David Preston said:
“These contracts represent the best value for money for Defence and each of the companies has a proven track record in supporting the Royal Fleet Auxiliary on a worldwide basis. This ability to support the Royal Navy wherever they are deployed is critical to UK Defence.”
The cluster approach introduced in 2008 brings together grouped contracts of vessels, hence Clusters for longer terms with benefits of improved maintenance of platforms, increased availability and value for money.
Mr Child Managing Director of A&P Falmouth said: “Clustering has achieved a far more economical approach to ship repair and maintenance of the RFA Flotilla through advanced planning, our knowledge of the vessels, our highly skilled workforce and pride of ‘ownership’ of the ships.
“The cluster programme team has worked very hard on this contract in the UK and around the world supporting ships on deployment. Extension of this contract reaffirms that A&P can be trusted to meet the needs of our clients and the longer term contract term helps to give A&P Group yards security in our future.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 12, 2012; Image: Ap-Group