HMS Bulwark Starts First Docking Period at Devonport
UNITED KINGDOM - 19 MARCH 2010
The amphibious assault ship Landing Platform Dock HMS Bulwark has started her first docking period this week, for an 11 month upgrade and maintenance programme to be undertaken by Babcock at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Awarded under the Surface Ship Support Alliance (the alliance between the MoD, Babcock and BAE Systems), this upkeep contract follows a highly successful docking period by Babcock of Bulwark's sister ship HMS Albion. The continuing close partnering between Babcock and the MoD has enabled the benefit of this valuable experience and knowledge to be maximised in developing the programme for HMS Bulwark's docking period.
Under a commercial agreement described by the MoD as having 'exploited exemplary levels of joint working between MoD and industry, and innovative approaches in the form of early implementation of a unified budget (upkeep and fleet time)', a comprehensive work specification, improvement in production processes, and enhancements in dock facilities have been developed. This will enable efficiency and cost-effectiveness to be maximised, and will ensure that HMS Bulwark returns to the fleet in optimum condition within the budget parameters, delivering maximum value to the MoD and Royal Navy.
During the upkeep period extensive improvements will be undertaken to the crew and embarked military forces' living quarters, including bunk spaces, toilets, bathrooms and recreational areas, as well as refurbishment of the main galley, laundry and commissariat. The ship's communication equipment is to be enhanced, the welldock and aviation support facilities upgraded, and improvements are to be carried out on the high pressure salt water, drainage and sewage systems. In addition, the main propulsion system is being upgraded, and the ship's outer bottom anti-fouling paint will be removed and replaced with the new ultra sleek system which improves fuel efficiency and speed through the water.
Babcock project manager Mike Weeks, leading the upkeep period, said: "Our experience having successfully completed HMS Albion's docking period in July last year provides a wealth of knowledge to draw on in undertaking this similar upkeep on HMS Bulwark. This also ties in with our amphibiosity expertise, and the development of Devonport as the Centre for Amphibious Support Excellence. We look forward to working closely with the MoD, Royal Navy and ship's staff to deliver this upkeep project effectively and efficiently and returning HMS Bulwark to the fleet on-time and fully equipped for her operational duties."
Capital Ships In-Service Ships Team Leader, Captain Graeme Little OBE Royal Navy said: "The placement of the contract for this upkeep period marks a huge success for the joint working approach being adopted by MoD and industry. The team have worked hard to develop an extensive and optimised package of work which, importantly, is affordable in what is a very tight financial climate. The package will meet the customers demanding requirements for capability and availability and I am certain will enable the platform to fulfil its duties as the high readiness LPD for the next 5 years."
HMS Bulwark was formally commissioned into the Royal Navy in April 2005. Following this first docking period at Devonport, she will return to the fleet in February 2011.
Source : Babcock International
File Photos: U.K. Royal Navy amphibious assault ship Landing Platform Dock HMS Bulwark:
UNITED KINGDOM - 19 MARCH 2010
The amphibious assault ship Landing Platform Dock HMS Bulwark has started her first docking period this week, for an 11 month upgrade and maintenance programme to be undertaken by Babcock at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Awarded under the Surface Ship Support Alliance (the alliance between the MoD, Babcock and BAE Systems), this upkeep contract follows a highly successful docking period by Babcock of Bulwark's sister ship HMS Albion. The continuing close partnering between Babcock and the MoD has enabled the benefit of this valuable experience and knowledge to be maximised in developing the programme for HMS Bulwark's docking period.
Under a commercial agreement described by the MoD as having 'exploited exemplary levels of joint working between MoD and industry, and innovative approaches in the form of early implementation of a unified budget (upkeep and fleet time)', a comprehensive work specification, improvement in production processes, and enhancements in dock facilities have been developed. This will enable efficiency and cost-effectiveness to be maximised, and will ensure that HMS Bulwark returns to the fleet in optimum condition within the budget parameters, delivering maximum value to the MoD and Royal Navy.
During the upkeep period extensive improvements will be undertaken to the crew and embarked military forces' living quarters, including bunk spaces, toilets, bathrooms and recreational areas, as well as refurbishment of the main galley, laundry and commissariat. The ship's communication equipment is to be enhanced, the welldock and aviation support facilities upgraded, and improvements are to be carried out on the high pressure salt water, drainage and sewage systems. In addition, the main propulsion system is being upgraded, and the ship's outer bottom anti-fouling paint will be removed and replaced with the new ultra sleek system which improves fuel efficiency and speed through the water.
Babcock project manager Mike Weeks, leading the upkeep period, said: "Our experience having successfully completed HMS Albion's docking period in July last year provides a wealth of knowledge to draw on in undertaking this similar upkeep on HMS Bulwark. This also ties in with our amphibiosity expertise, and the development of Devonport as the Centre for Amphibious Support Excellence. We look forward to working closely with the MoD, Royal Navy and ship's staff to deliver this upkeep project effectively and efficiently and returning HMS Bulwark to the fleet on-time and fully equipped for her operational duties."
Capital Ships In-Service Ships Team Leader, Captain Graeme Little OBE Royal Navy said: "The placement of the contract for this upkeep period marks a huge success for the joint working approach being adopted by MoD and industry. The team have worked hard to develop an extensive and optimised package of work which, importantly, is affordable in what is a very tight financial climate. The package will meet the customers demanding requirements for capability and availability and I am certain will enable the platform to fulfil its duties as the high readiness LPD for the next 5 years."
HMS Bulwark was formally commissioned into the Royal Navy in April 2005. Following this first docking period at Devonport, she will return to the fleet in February 2011.
Source : Babcock International
File Photos: U.K. Royal Navy amphibious assault ship Landing Platform Dock HMS Bulwark:
