Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious left Rosyth today (3
June 2011) on time and within budget, and with improved capability,
to commence sea trials following a successful 16 month docking
period undertaken by Babcock. This was the fifth refit on the
Invincible class aircraft carriers by Babcock's experienced team,
and took place in No.2 Dock, beside No.1 Dock where Babcock is also
undertaking the assembly and integration of the UK's new aircraft
carriers as part of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance.
Capability upgrades have included the Defence Information
Infrastructure (DII), which provides a coherent infrastructure
enabling information sharing and collaborative working across the
defence sector network, and installation of the Bowman
communications system and Surface Ship Torpedo Defence, as well as
reverse osmosis plants for improved shipboard fresh water
production and upgraded chilled water plants.
Improvements to the living conditions for the crew have also
been undertaken, including revitalising the mess decks, galley
equipment upgrades for improved catering facilities, and upgrading
of the sewage plant.
Further maintenance work has included a full Lloyds Register
structural survey; major repairs to both funnels; application of a
foul release paint system to the hull (improving fuel efficiency
and speed through the water); overhaul of high pressure air, fuel
and salt water systems and of all the ship's underwater valves;
renewal and overhaul work to the diesel generators; replacing two
of the gas turbine engines; and painting of the ship side and
superstructure along with the renewal of the flight and hangar deck
paint coatings.
The £40 million docking period has benefited from close
partnering between Babcock, Ship's Staff, MoD (local CDR and
Capital Ships IPT) and BAE Systems as members of the Joint Project
Team, as well as from the application of Babcock's significant
knowledge and experience gained on previous Invincible class
aircraft carriers, including Illustrious during refit 2003-2005.
Various measures were implemented to maximise efficiency and
cost-effectiveness in order to deliver maximum value for money to
the MoD and Royal Navy.
Babcock operations manager Charlie Forrester said: "We are
delighted to be returning Illustrious to sea on-time and in the
best possible material condition, fully capable and, on completion
of sea trials, fighting fit and ready to perform her operational
duties providing maritime power projection anywhere in the world.
The fact that this upkeep period is seen as a major success is down
to the hard work and close working relationships of all parties
involved."
MoD Project Contract Manager, Jim Proctor, stated: "The team has
achieved a high standard of product against a backdrop of stringent
financial control, staff reduction and equipment failure which
brought its own challenges, both in re-scoping the work package and
sourcing replacement equipment to meet the programme. Working
closely together with ship's staff and Babcock was key to this
joint success."
HMS Illustrious will now undergo seven weeks of sea trials
before returning to the fleet at the end of July.