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SCMP Reporter

BABCOCK Rosyth Defence Ltd (BRDL) of Britain has been awarded Ministry of Defence contracts worth more than GBP50 million (about HK$615 million).

  The contracts include one for GBP27 million to carry out a refit on the Type 42 destroyer, HMS Newcastle.

 Work will start immediately on the vessel.

  It is the third in a programme of 18 large surface warships scheduled for Rosyth and the seventh Type 42 destroyer refit for BRDL.

  The work package includes additions and alterations to the ship's mechanical and weapons systems and renewal of protective coatings throughout the vessel.

  At peak activity, 250 workers will be employed on the project.

  The award of the contract follows recent successful work programmes on other Type 42 destroyers, HMS Gloucester, HMS York and HMS Edinburgh.

  In work on these, BRDL was able to reduce time for completion by several weeks over previous refits, increasing the availability of the vessel for the Royal Navy.

    BRDL has also secured a GBP10 million contract for its first Type 22 Frigate, HMS Coventry.

  Work on this vessel is scheduled to start later this year.

    The contract was part of the Ministry of Defence's unallocated programme and was won in competition against two other yards.

  Work on HMS Coventry is scheduled to last 12 months.

  The package includes sonar systems overhauls, accommodation conversion, main machinery and shafting overhaul and improvements to the internal communications system.

  The Small-Ships Division of BRDL has also been awarded contracts to refit three different classes of minor war vessel.

  They are HMS Dumbarton Castle, a dual role fishery protection and offshore patrol ship; HMS Cattistock, a mine counter measure vessel; and HMS Shetland, which operates in a fishery protection role.

    The combined value of these three contracts is GBP16 million.

  David Batty, managing director, Babcock Rosyth Defence, commented: 'We have responded well to the value for money and efficiency demands which the Ministry of Defence require.

  'I am very pleased that our workforce have demonstrated they have the flexibility, the skills and the willingness to consistently deliver high standards on some of the most demanding refit programmes.' 



Babcock's Rosyth yard wins $600m refit deal