Rolls-Royce awarded £85m MoD contract to boost Type-23 capabilities

Above: Type-23 frigate HMS Monmouth.
Courtesy MoD / Crown copyright

The contract includes a comprehensive support package to Spey gas turbines, including the overhaul of engines, provision of spares, as well as engineering and safety support.

Updates to the turbines are vital as they boost propulsion in the Type-23 Frigates. They are also key pieces of equipment for Anti-Submarine Warfare.

The world-beating Type-23 frigate is able to carry out a wide variety of operations, from securing the UK’s vital maritime trade routes East of the Suez Canal to safeguarding British interests in the South Atlantic.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew announced the contract at HMNB Devonport where he saw Thursday War training which prepares the Royal Navy for war-fighting, humanitarian relief and emergency situations through a variety of drills and exercises.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said: "This £85 million contract demonstrates the UK’s commitment to modernisation through the maintenance of our formidable Type-23s. This work continues the British tradition of supporting our closest allies and solidifying our global position as world-leaders in advanced maritime technology and development.

"The contract will see Rolls-Royce overhaul 30 Type-23 engines from the UK and NATO partners Belgium, Portugal and the Netherlands."

The contract is expected to deliver a £35 million increase in savings to the MOD over the next eight years, by incentivising Rolls-Royce to improve repair schemes, minimise unnecessary work and procure spares at a lower cost. This will result in shorter, less expensive overhauls.

Rolls-Royce will project manage the support contract, while the main overhaul and repair work will be carried out by RWG based in Aberdeen, supporting up to 25 UK jobs across both companies.

Scotland benefits from MoD expenditure of £300 per person each year and a huge investment in local industry and commerce of £1.6 billion. UK Defence also supports over 10,000 industry jobs in Scotland and the nation is renowned for building the world’s finest warships including the UK’s new aircraft carriers and the Royal Navy’s state-of-the-art Type-26 frigates.

Defence Equipment and Support Chief of Materiel Ships Vice Admiral Chris Gardner said: "The Type 23 frigate is central to Royal Navy operations around the world and keeping it at the forefront of operations is critical.

"This contract will ensure Rolls-Royce continues to innovate through improving repair schemes, minimising unnecessary work and procuring spares cheaper. This will result in shorter, less expensive overhauls, which is good news for the Royal Navy and good news for the tax payer."

Matt Nadin, Director Naval Fleet Services at Rolls-Royce said: "This vital support contract builds upon our Rolls-Royce target to achieve and sustain increased Spey engine availability to the Royal Navy and their NATO partners, The Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.

"This contract highlights our successful collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence to provide the technical support and repair activities required to not only keep these engines in-service with the Royal Navy and their NATO partners but also to deliver increased value for money."