The amphibious landing ship HMS Bulwark has returned to the
fleet today, Friday 25 February, after successfully completing sea
trials following an 11 month support period, delivered on-time and
in-budget.
The upgrade and maintenance programme was undertaken by Babcock
at Devonport Royal Dockyard. This was the ship's first docking
since being formally commissioned into the Royal Navy in April 2005
and the project team successfully met a number of significant
challenges, including the severe adverse weather conditions over
Christmas, to keep the programme on schedule.
The £30m support period (a contract awarded under the Surface
Ship Support Alliance, the alliance between the MoD, Babcock and
BAE Systems) has benefited from application of knowledge and
experience gained on sister vessel HMS Albion, as a result of which
a number of initiatives and improvements were introduced, and from
close partnering between the MoD and Babcock including co-located
and integrated project teams. This approach enabled efficiency and
cost-effectiveness to be maximised throughout the docking period,
to deliver optimum value for money and return Bulwark to the fleet
on-schedule.
The 450,000 manhour support period has involved the overhaul of
1625 items of equipment, manufacture of 1557 items, and shipping of
398 tonnes of equipment on and off the ship. 215 hull valves have
been removed and replaced; 93 tanks opened, cleaned and surveyed;
21 miles of electrical cable installed; and 8,000 litres of paint
applied to the ship's outer bottom.
HMS Bulwark now has improved aviation facilities (the flight
deck has the capacity to operate two heavy-lift Chinook helicopters
simultaneously) and upgrades to the welldock, including full
tactical night-vision capability by her landing craft and aircraft.
Extensive improvements have also been carried out to the living
quarters for the ship's 380 sailors and marines, including bunk
spaces, toilets, bathrooms and recreational areas, plus
refurbishment of the main galley, laundry and commissariat.
Further, the ship's communications equipment has been enhanced,
high pressure salt water, drainage and sewage systems improved, and
main propulsion system upgraded. Also included have been
improvements to the machinery and magazine spaces, IT network
capability, and defensive weapons upgrades, as well as replacement
of the ship's outer bottom anti-fouling paint with the new ultra
sleek system improving fuel efficiency and speed through the
water.
"A number of challenges have been addressed during the support
period, including the addition of 16 alterations and additions
during the project, and was completed within the same timeframe as
Albion despite an additional 70,000 manhours involved," Babcock
project manager Mike Weeks points out. "Successes have included
achievement of all key milestones, an excellent safety culture, the
adoption of a single integrated plan, and efficiency improvements
such as the dockside services contract arrangements, as well as an
excellent partnering relationship."
HMS Bulwark has now completed three weeks' sea trials, and
returns to duties as a fully prepared operational warship.
Captain Graeme Little, RN, OBE, Capital Ships-In Service Ships
Team Leader and project lead said: "All involved in successful
delivery of this project can rightfully feel proud of what they
have achieved. HMS Bulwark is an essential element of the post
Strategic Defence Security Review commitment to Amphibious and
Littoral Manoeuvre capability and the challenge for the support
community is now to establish Devonport as the Centre for
Amphibious Support Excellence alongside the Amphibious Centre of
Specialisation and, in doing so, optimising the support, materiel
state and availability of amphibious platforms and surface
manoeuvre craft. This will enable the MoD and industry to build on
what has been achieved during this project, driving benefits and
efficiencies into the future support business."
Babcock Warships Director (Devonport), Chris Tomkins, said:
"This has been a complex and challenging project, and an excellent
achievement by the team. Close working and the implementation of
true partnering values has played a vital part in the success, as
has the implementation of our experience and 'lessons learnt' from
Albion, and our amphibiosity expertise, which underlines Devonport
as the Centre for Amphibious Support Excellence. We are delighted
to be returning HMS Bulwark to the fleet on-time and in-budget, and
fully equipped for her operational duties."
Commanding Officer HMS Bulwark Captain Alex Burton said:
"Through an open, engaging and strong partnership with Babcock, HMS
Bulwark has successfully met her Fleet Date. The Docking Period
presented a challenging mix of complexity, time management and
detailed and intricate planning; all of which has been underpinned
by an overarching desire to succeed from both Babcock and the
Ship's Company of HMS Bulwark. Acceptance back into the Fleet marks
an important date for HMS Bulwark on her path towards regeneration
and her future role as the Fleet Flagship in October this
year."