Babcock prepares Ocean for Olympics

Babcock is undertaking a programme of work to the Royal Navy’s largest ship, HMS Ocean , to prepare the amphibious assault ship for her military support role to the London Olympics.  

HMS Ocean will be moored at Greenwich and will act as a maritime hub in support of police-led maritime security operations during the Olympic Games.  The 21,500 tonne warship can house 1,100 people, and will operate a number of Royal Navy and Army helicopters.  

Part of the work being undertaken by Babcock to prepare Ocean for her London role is the installation of a ‘London berthing arrangement’ to allow the ship to berth in the Thames and accept the ‘London Brow’ (a large pontoon moored alongside the ship with gangways providing access to the ship).  This includes installing pontoon mooring eye plates and access platforms in the landing craft bays.  

Other work being undertaken includes upgrades to fuel stowages, improvements to flight deck communication to support flying operations, an extensive habitability package (including installation of over 2,000 items) to accommodate additional personnel during the Olympics, a galley and laundry package, painting of the weatherdecks and superstructure, and maintenance to critical systems including aircraft lifts and the chilled water and salt water systems.  

In May HMS Ocean took part in Exercise Olympic Guardian in London; a security exercise in preparation for the games, staged to ensure that the London 2012 Olympics are as safe and secure as possible.  

During the games, HMS Ocean will accommodate military personnel including some of the Venue Security Force working at a variety of Olympics locations, and will also engage with Londoners by hosting public events.