A&P Falmouth on behalf of Thales Naval has been working on a substantial regeneration project on two ex-Royal Navy vessels that are being sold to the Lithuanian Navy.
HMS Cottesmore and HMS Dulverton were originally Mine Counter-Measure Vessels (MCMVs) before they were converted to patrol vessels in 1997 for duties in Northern Ireland. The project will involve converting both vessels back to full minehunting capability for use by the Lithuanian Navy – an 18-month, multi-million pound project for A&P Falmouth.
Both vessels were decommissioned from the Royal Navy in 2005 and until April 2009 were held in HMNB Portsmouth awaiting disposal.
The regeneration involves a full upgrade of the ships’ command and control and weapons systems, the installation of new engines, chilled water and the installation of a new mine hunting system using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV).
Peter Child, managing director of A&P Falmouth, said: “The MCMV regeneration project is an important contract for A&P Falmouth, and really uses the high skills available in our workforce and our client, Thales Naval.
“In addition to the Lithuanian Hunt contract, A&P can also announce today the signing of a regeneration contract for the Bangladesh Navy for the Castle Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), with the work being done in the A&P Tyne facility starting in May this year.”
The MOD Project Manager Commander John Haworth has been managing the project on behalf of the Royal Navy. He said: “A&P have completed similar projects to this in the past, and their impressive bid in conjunction with Thales Naval allowed us to work together once again – we have always been very satisfied with their service.”
The refits are due for competition in December 2010, after which both vessels will depart for Lithuania with the new crews to continue their service as Mine Counter-Measure Vessels.
