Cammell Laird completes work on £9.1m MOD contract

BIRKENHEAD-based Cammell Laird Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders has completed a £9.1m refit of naval supply ship Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), Bayleaf.

The refit, which employed more than 150 staff over seven months, was completed under the new ‘through-life support contract’ signed with Defence Equipment and Support of the Ministry of Defence for the maintenance of 11 ships in the RFA fleet for up to 25 years.

The refit included an overhaul of the main engine and generator, an upgrade of communications systems and a full upgrade of accommodation, which was stripped out and refurbished.

The outer hull was repainted, the refuelling at sea equipment was overhauled and new lifeboats and davits were installed. There were further overhauls to the main machinery including cargo and boilers and an upgrade to the medical centre and galley.

Linton Roberts, managing director at Cammell Laird, said: “Our aim was to ensure she is fit for purpose and able to operate more effectively and efficiently. It is pleasing that the specialist skills that built Bayleaf still survive and prosper within our workforce. And with 50 apprentices in training we are ensuring that this proud tradition continues far into the future.”