09:46 GMT, October 12, 2009 Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll is to receive major upgrades to her command and weapon systems, sensors and ventilation systems in a 14 month upkeep period by Babcock at Rosyth, which has now started.

The multi-million pound contract will be delivered under the long term partnering arrangement at Rosyth which calls for close working between all the key stakeholders of MoD, ship’s staff and Babcock. Rosyth has an excellent record for this type of contracting arrangement, which has been fostered on previous refit periods.

Notably Babcock will be installing the Royal Navy’s new DNA(2) Command System (described as the ‘brain’ of the ship and central to its fighting capability against air, surface and underwater threats); the SeaWolf mid-life update (SWMLU) comprising tracking, guidance and weapon management upgrades to counter evolving anti-ship missile threats; ‘globalisation’ fit of the entire ships ventilation system; and the new Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)) system to enable information sharing and collaborative working across the Armed Forces and MoD. Further upgrades include the 4.5 inch Mk8 Mod1 gun, 30mm automatic gun mounts, and boat davits.

These upgrades are in addition to a programme of deep maintenance work derived from the Unit Maintenance Management System (UMMS), which provides a structured methodology to deliver effective maintenance strategies or reliability centred maintenance (RCM) in the maritime environment. This will include a full structural survey of the hull and superstructure, and overhaul work packages on the ship’s mechanical systems including renewal of two diesel engines.

As the oldest Type 23 frigate in the fleet (HMS Argyll is the first Type 23 to undergo a second refit, or ‘RP2’), the project will involve a number of challenges, and significant focus will centre on the hull structure, as well as renewal of the flight deck. Further challenges include the ventilation upgrade, which affects nearly every compartment in the ship and requires careful management of its interface with other work.

As Babcock project manager George White comments: “The up and coming second refit period for HMS Argyll will present the partnership with some significant challenges over the next 14 months and, as with previous projects here at Rosyth, a close liaison between our key stakeholders (the waterfront MoD team backed by the platform group, ships staff, Fleet HQ and Babcock) will be the key driver to deliver a successful product back to our customer and end user in the Royal Navy.”

Clyde Director (Rosyth) Project Contract Manager Bob Philp said: “There will undoubtedly be challenging times in the coming months, however I am confident that the working relationship that has been developed with all partners at Rosyth will result in a successful outcome to this project.”

Mike Pettigrew, managing director of Babcock at Rosyth remarked: “The award of this contract continues to allow us to develop the high level of skillsets required to support the Royal Navy, and further strengthens our partnering relationships with the MoD through the Surface Ship Support Alliance.”

Scottish secretary Jim Murphy, speaking in Fife about jobs and the economy, stated: “It’s great to see a resurgence in the ship yards thanks largely to a number of defence contracts over the past decade. Companies in Fife such as Babcock work hard to win these contracts and ensure staff have the skills and expertise to deliver challenging and important Government projects.”

HMS Argyll is due to return to duty with full operating capability by the end of 2010.