The UK Royal Navy’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Victoria (A387) vessel has completed its £50m refurbishment at Cammell Laird’s yard in Birkenhead, UK.
The refit programme is claimed to be the largest ever undertaken by Cammell Laird since the start of a five-year life support deal, signed in 2008, to maintain nine of the 13 vessels in the RFA flotilla.
The deal has now been extended to 2018.
Work under the ten-month overhaul involved upgrades to the main engines, machinery, pumps and pipework, in addition to the installation of new fire-detecting and fighting systems, as well as a refurbishment of living quarters.
Fort Victoria’s weapons and sensors were also improved, and the 669ft hull was repainted.
RFA Fort Victoria commanding officer captain Shaun Jones said: "Fort Victoria’s refit has been an immense project that will guarantee at least another 15 years of service to the Royal Navy and wider defence."
Powered by two Crossley-Pielstick diesel engines, the 204m-long transport vessel has a beam of 30m and displaces 31,565t. It cruises at a maximum speed of 22k.
The RFA provides the Royal Navy with seaborne aviation training facilities and logistical support and amphibious operations potential for the Royal Marines and British Army.
In addition to four MSI Defence Systems DS30B gun-mounts with Oerlikon KCB 30mm guns, the vessel is also armed with four Nato Sea Gnat decoy launchers, or BAE Systems Shield decoy launchers.
Image: The UK Royal Navy’s RFA Fort Victoria (A387) vessel. Photo: courtesy of captain Shaun Jones RFA.
