The UK Royal Navy’s amphibious assault ship HMS Ocean (L12) has successfully completed intensive sea acceptance trials and training.
The month-long £65m refit involved installation of new medium-range surveillance radar, known as Artisan or Type 997, and retuned engines, marking a step change in performance for the nation’s landing platform helicopter (LPH).
HMS Ocean successfully demonstrated its upgraded engines, propulsion plant, auxiliary machinery and steering to the limit.
In addition, the vessel completed aviation sea trials, enabling it to support more complex operations with aircraft.
The 203m-long warship’s weapon engineers also trained with the new radar, which is designed to identify threats over the horizon.
HMS Ocean senior weapon engineer commander David Goldsmith said: "Operating in close proximity to land is a challenging environment for a ship of any size, but it is key to HMS Ocean’s role in delivering Royal Marines ashore.
"The Type 997 radar is far more resilient and versatile than its predecessors and will enable us to build a far better picture of what is operating around us, both on and over the sea, as well as the airspace over land."
Commanding officer captain Tim Henry added: "HMS Ocean’s sea trials have been a success, with the equipment performing above expectations and all the crew gaining invaluable experience.
"We are well placed to continue with our programme later in the year that will grow our capacity to deliver security at sea and protect the nation’s interests."
Image: The UK Royal Navy’s amphibious assault ship HMS Ocean at sea. Photo: courtesy of the Royal Navy.
