Defence Online

New year – new HMS Shoreham

Maritime January 4, 2017

Following a six-month revamp programme, work on overhauling HMS Shoreham was completed just before Christmas.

The overhaul of the ship was carried out by Babcock, following more than three years stationed in the Gulf, where the minehunter has been working hard supporting the troops stationed there.

Every five years, the Sandown class ships undergo a complete bow-stern keel-topmast check and overhaul; Shoreham will be followed by HMS Grimsby into Babcock’s Rosyth yard in June this year.

Shoreham will be returned to the Royal Navy in January, looking as good as new and ready to undergo further trials and training before retaking her place in the front line.

HMS Shoreham before the revamp.

More than 80 Babcock staff have worked on the ship since she returned in June, helping to make her ‘ship shape’ following extreme conditions in the Middle East. Work included repair of the fibre glass hull which had degraded more than expected.

Babcock project manager Dave Gibb explained: “With a fibre-glass ship, maintaining sections of the hull take time and precision. The hull is approximately 25mm thick and consists of many layers of glass cloth impregnated with resin.

“Our tradesmen would work in small steps, first cutting out, then layering each section with the fibre-glass cloth. It’s not a skill you see very often as most ships are made of steel.”

Further work included painting of the upper decks, which also proved to be a significant challenge, refurbishment and installation of a new galley, the fitting a new fire detection system and improving the high-pressure air system.

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Babcock Gulf HMS Grimsby HMS Shoreham minehunter Royal Navy Sandown

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.