Living quarters for hundreds of Royal Navy crew members and Royal Marines Commandos serving aboard HMS Albion are to get a major revamp under a £26M contract announced today by Defence Minister Quentin Davies.
Over the ten month refit, being undertaken by Babcock Marine at Devonport dockyard in Plymouth, extra bunks and recreational spaces will enhance the living quarters on board. The galley will also be updated with new and improved equipment.
A staggering 26,000 liters of paint will be used on the 176m long ship. Her valves, which regulate water flow into the ship allowing the landing craft to float out from her large hull dock, will also be overhauled.
Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies said:
“HMS Albion can accommodate more than 1,000 Royal Navy and Royal Marines Commandos personnel delivering them and their vehicles and combat supplies to the heart of the action around the world.
“This is an important investment for Albion and her crew. It will boost the support she provides to our Armed Forces on operations across the globe.”
Defence Equipment and Support Capital Ships Director, Tony Graham, said:
“The upkeep, which will take less than a year to complete, will see this large warship brought into dry dock for the first time since she came into service in 2003, for complete re-preservation of her hull and flight deck, protecting her for over five years more service. The improvements in habitability standards such as accommodation upgrades will be immediately noticed by her crew.
“We have worked together with Babcock to agree this contract under the Surface Ship Support (SSS) Programme, and we’ll continue to work closely throughout this substantial work package, helping to deliver the capabilities the front line needs. Captain Chris Forsey and his team have much to be proud of in getting this project properly established and they have built a good rapport with the company.”
The work, which will employ 300 in the dockyard, is expected to start in Devonport this month and due to complete next summer.
Source: Ministry of Defence
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