HMS Portland

The UK Royal Navy’s Type 23 Duke-class frigate, HMS Portland (F79), has successfully completed an upgrade and maintenance programme at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard and is ready to undergo sea trials.

Under the Surface Ship Support Alliance (SSSA) arrangement, a coalition between the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), Babcock and BAE Systems, HMS Portland received 19 major system and capability upgrades.

During the 50-week refit programme, the frigate was installed with Sonar 2087, a tactical, variable depth, active and passive anti-submarine warfare system, and also involved significant structural modifications to the ship’s aft end.

In addition to the new DNA (2) command system to enhance its fighting capability against air, surface and underwater threats, the frigate is equipped with defence information infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)) to enable information sharing.

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"Type 23 frigates are the backbone of the RN’s global operations. HMS Portland now has a much enhanced capability and will play a vital role in protecting our nation’s interests."

The company has also replaced the 4.5 Mk8 Mod1 gun and fitted a new 30mm automatic small calibre gun fit, as well as provided SeaWolf mid-life update (SWMLU) to counter evolving anti-ship missile threats.

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Additional enhancements included integration of Nato radial filters to protect fresh air supplies from contamination, and the nuclear biological chemical defence incident surveillance system.

Capable of cruising at speeds of 30.8k, HMS Portland has also undergone structural repairs, and maintenance of all systems and equipment, including renewal of the hull coatings.

The MoD Frigates & MCM team leader captain Jonathan Fry said: "Type 23 frigates are the backbone of the RN’s global operations. HMS Portland now has a much enhanced capability and will play a vital role in protecting our nation’s interests."

The 133m-long and 4,900t ship is scheduled to enter service with the Royal Navy in early spring of 2013, following a three-month sea trial period.

Image: HMS Portland heading back to its base port of Plymouth. Photo: courtesy of Royal Navy.