Babcock Starts HMS Pembroke’s Upkeep Period

Following the recent departure of HMS Penzance from Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard after a successful upkeep period, Babcock has now started work on Sandown class mine hunter HMS Pembroke, in dock at Rosyth for a similar six month Support Period (Docking) (SP(D)) under the Surface Ship Support Alliance (SSSA)’s Class Output Management (COM) Phase 2 arrangements.

The work package for Pembroke’s support period has been defined by the Babcock-led COM team to reflect the ship’s needs and minimise the level of emergent work, drawing on knowledge of the ship’s material state and previous experience of Sandown class refits. Under the SSSA (an alliance between the MoD, Babcock and BAE Systems), Babcock leads the Sandown class COM.

This comprehensive support period will involve a substantial maintenance package, plus a number of upgrades and improvements that will significantly enhance HMS Pembroke’s operational capability, sustainability, and habitability standards.

Upgrades will include the high pressure air system (extending system life and offering cost and space benefits); remote isolation of the waste water system (helping to prevent flooding following a hull breach); readiness for the Defence Information Infrastructure (DII), which provides a coherent infrastructure to enable information sharing and collaborative working across the defence sector network; galley improvements (including replacement of equipment with modern alternatives); and installation of a new fire detection system, which extends coverage to additional areas.

In addition, the maintenance package includes an extensive paint coating renewal programme to all upper decks, including areas of trawler deck, renewal of most internal deck coverings, and an allowance for blasting and represervation of both fresh water tanks. Work will also include elements as a result of knowledge gained from previous Sandown class upkeeps, including slow speed drive alignment checks, and renewal of all propeller unit blade seals. Additionally, all 01 deck fittings, ventilation spigots, aerial ground plane and earth plates are being removed for survey and probable renewal.

Babcock Warships Managing Director Mike Whalley said:

“This is the third Sandown class support period to be carried out since the introduction of full COM arrangements, and will benefit from the knowledge and experience gained by the COM team from HMS Grimsby (the first under COM) and recently completed HMS Penzance, as well as previous successful Sandown class support periods. The team is now focused on delivering HMS Pembroke to schedule and quality reflecting optimum value for money.”

 MoD MCM Team Leader, Captain Matt Harrison said:

“I look forward to the continued good working relationship of all stakeholders and implementation of the latest lessons learned from HMS Penzance to deliver HMS Pembroke on time and within budget.”

HMS Pembroke is expected to leave Rosyth for sea trials at the end of this year.

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Press Release, June 26, 2013; Image: Babcock