Babcock completes extensive HMS Scott refit
The Docking and Repair Maintenance Period (DRMP) at Babcock’s Devonport Royal Dockyard has seen HMS Scott receive a number of upgrades and improvements that significantly increase her sustainability and capability, along with a substantial programme of deep maintenance.
Additionally a significant volume of emergent work arose during the DRMP, all of which was addressed and contained within a second docking period that was required to remove the ship’s rudder horn and replace it with a new one, due to cracks in the original casting material. This involved a highly complex manufacture and fit process, project-managed by Babcock and involving multiple agencies including Babcock Appledore and Stahlguss-Groditz to deliver the project.
Other key work undertaken has included the removal and fitting of a new sewage treatment plant, work to restore the air conditioning system to ‘as new’ (improving habitability and equipment operation), a full galley refit with modern equipment, and full replacement of the fire detection system, as well as addressing a number of smaller system and equipment obsolescence issues. The port main engine crankshaft was also replaced, and the engine was overhauled and rebuilt.
Additionally a significant modification was implemented to fit duplex sea suction strainers and additional isolating valves to the sea-water system inlet, providing a much improved product safety element to this system.
Application of a new anti-foul paint system to the entire hull, to deliver improved fuel efficiency and reduce through life costs, was achieved with optimum efficiency thanks to a new system of hydraulically-operated dock blocks – a much safer and quicker approach than the complicated, labour-intensive and hazardous traditional method of block removal.
A further innovation to optimise efficiency during the maintenance period was the removal of a diesel generator for overhaul, rather than undertaking work onboard, delivering improved product quality and time and cost savings.
The refit was carried out as part of the five year through life support contract (TLS) awarded to Babcock in 2013. This intensive deep maintenance period has been undertaken with the intent to deliver efficiencies and savings for the operation and support of the vessel.
Babcock Warships Programme Support Manager Mark Harvey commented: “This has been a hugely complex and challenging deep maintenance period, and the significant extent of the work conducted means HMS Scott’s material state has in effect been re-baselined ahead of her next phase of Fleet Time operations. Throughout, Babcock has worked closely and forged strong relationships with our support partners in the DE&S Commercially Supported Shipping (CSS) team, Ship’s Staff, Trimline, Lloyds Register, Hempel and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), all of whom have contributed to the successful delivery of the ship back into service. We are now pleased to see HMS Scott go back to sea to deliver her key role to the MoD, and look forward to keeping her there through a sustainable TLS delivery phase of this contract.”
Commodore Ian Schumacker, RFA Head of Availability in DE&S Commercially Supported Shipping, commented: “This has been a challenging period for all involved in this project. Ultimately we have delivered a high quality product back to the Royal Navy”.
Having successfully completed post-refit sea trials, HMS Scott
was officially returned to the Fleet in May 2015.
