HMS
Ocean, the Royal Navy’s largest warship which played a starring
role during the London 2012 Olympics, will receive a £65M upgrade,
the MoD announced today.
Her upgrade will be carried out at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth
and will be the largest upkeep programme of its kind to be carried out
at the docks in more than 20 years.
The contract has been awarded to UK maritime support specialists
Babcock, securing 300 jobs in Devonport. More than 70 contractors are
also set to be involved in the project securing a further 300 jobs across
the UK. |
During
the refit, which is expected to last 15 months, upgrades and improvements
will be made to her radar, gun, command system and living quarters.
Around 1,200 metres of new pipe work will be laid and around 100,000
litres of paint will be applied to HMS Ocean.
Minister for Defence, Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne
said:
“HMS Ocean plays a crucial role supporting operations as we saw
during the Olympics and the Libya campaign and it is essential that
we continue to invest in the upkeep of this formidable vessel.
“I am delighted that this contract will not only ensure that HMS
Ocean remains a significant, highly-flexible, and capable warship for
years to come, but will also secure hundreds of jobs within the UK.”
Vice Admiral Andrew Mathews, Chief of Materiel (Fleet) for the MOD’s
Defence Equipment and Support organisation, said:
“Since entering service HMS Ocean has delivered comprehensive
support to countless military operations as well as humanitarian and
disaster relief missions.
“This extensive refit programme is essential in ensuring that
this magnificent ship is able to continue in her role supporting and
protecting the UK’s interests across the globe.”
HMS Ocean played an integral role in the Libya campaign launching Apache
attack helicopters from her deck to attack Libyan ground defences, the
first time Apaches had been launched from a Royal Navy warship.
From: Royal Navy |
