Royal Navy to extend service life of its largest survey vessel until 2030s

Work has started on HMS Scott to extend the vessel’s operational life into the early 2030s.

HMS Scot, which was launched in 1997, is the largest survey vessel in Western Europe, and the fifth largest vessel in the Royal Navy. Named for the famous Arctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott, the ship also has an auxiliary role as a mine countermeasures vessel.

APCL Group has welcomed the vessel to its A&P Falmouth facility for its extensive Ship Life Extension Program (SLEP), a significant engineering project overseen by Defence Equipment & Support.

APCL has earlier delivered through-life support for RFA Argus, LSDA, HMS Scott, Tide Class Tankers, Wave AO, RFA Fort Victoria, RFA Stirling Castle and RFA Proteus.

HMS Scott’s overhaul will include a docking period in No. 3 Dock, a full hull blast and recoat, and the replacement of several onboard systems, according to the officials.

The SLEP marks a crucial phase in ensuring the continued service of HMS Scott, it was highlighted.

“HMS Scott, and the capability she offers, is not only unique in the Royal Navy but also across the whole of NATO. Over the course of her service life so far she has probably surveyed a greater area of seabed than any other vessel in history but, following the decision last year to extend her until at least 2033, a major docking period is required to keep her performance and availability at the highest level. The vessel will also receive upgrades including new water management systems, sewage treatment plants, thermal oil boilers, and LED lighting installations. The project also involves the removal and overhaul of key components, such as four Cummins generators through the hull, replacement of internal doors and lifeboat davits,” HMS Scott’s Commanding Officer, Samuel Nightingale, said.

“The Life Extension will include the overhaul and service of all major parts of the ships propulsion systems, ships services and mission systems. The time in port also allows for improvements in ship’s crew living and working areas, with the upgrade of the galley and improvements in accommodation areas,” Tim Henshaw, DE&S RFA Group Technical Superintendent added.

HMS Scott was launched in 1997.