The HMS Edinburgh has been dry-docked in Portsmouth for a major overhaul to be conducted by BAE Systems under a £17.5 million contract. The HMS Edinburgh is the last Type 42 destroyers to undergo upkeep.
During the overhaul, the vessel’s hull receive a coat of super-efficient Sigma 990 paint to make it glide through the water more easily and an underwater spoiler known as a transom flap will be fitted to the stern, which together will cut fuel consumption by up to 15%. Weapons and communications systems will also be revamped and preparations are underway to remove all four of the ship’s engines, with two to be restored and the other two to be replaced.
“The Type 42s have changed substantially over their life time and so has the way we look after them.” Said Malcolm Fudge, BAE Systems’ project manager responsible for the refit.
“Today we have a much more intelligent approach to upkeep. We work with the Ministry of Defence to analyse trends as well as systems and equipment on board ahead of each refit so we only do the work that really needs doing. This helps to minimise the length of time the ships spend in the dock and ensure maximum value for the Royal Navy.”
“Being in a reduced manned upkeep period has presented us with a different set of challenges in comparison to life at sea and we have all gained some valuable experience. I look forward to working with Team Portsmouth for the remainder of the last planned upkeep period for a Type 42 Guided Missile Destroyer.” said Lt Cdr Steve Connelly RN, the Senior Naval Officer.
