UK: Multi-Million Refit for RFA’s Biggest Ship

A Birkenhead company is undertaking a refit worth over £47m for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (RFA) biggest ship.

More than 200 highly skilled engineers from Cammell Laird will refurbish RFA Fort Victoria at their Birkenhead yard.

Work will include a complete overhaul of the engine, main propulsion and steering systems and replacement of six diesel generators. Accommodation on the ship will also be improved and the weapons systems overhauled.

At over 200m long and weighing 36,580 tonnes, the vessel is the largest in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s fleet and has just returned from a three year deployment during which she targeted pirates off the coast of Somalia. After its refit, the ship is due to return to service early next year.

Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Phillip Dunne said:

“This £47m contract is a boost for Merseyside and I am delighted that this vital refit will provide ongoing work for 200 highly skilled workers at the shipyard in Birkenhead.

“RFA Fort Victoria has been at the forefront of military operations for most of her life and this refit will reinvigorate her for future operations.”

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Press Release, March 21, 2014; Image: Royal Navy