Babcock International Group has achieved a ready for sea date for the Type 23 frigate HMS SOMERSET at Babcock’s Devonport facility, the company writes in a press release. HMS SOMERSET started her overhaul in November 2018. During that time, she has undergone a variety of upkeepmeasures, which has included:
- repairs and updates to her hull and living spaces
- replacement of the SEA WOLF with the new SEA CEPTOR weapon system
- improvements to electronic equipment
- replacement of her four diesel generators
- an enhanced propulsion motor clean
- over 500 structural inserts
Overall, the project surpassed one million hours of work.
The project team welcomed ship staff back on board at the end of last year and have since completed the final stages of commissioning, before handing her back to the Royal Navy to carry out sea trials. After completing the sea trials, HMS SOMERSET will return to the Royal Navy fleet. Meanwhile HMS IRON DUKE is the next frigate due to exit the Frigate Support Centre and continue her overhaul ahead of HMS ARGYLL and HMS WESTMINSTER arriving later this year.
JH
