Two Royal Navy Type 23 frigates have recently completed successful inclining experiments at A&P Falmouth, part of the APCL Group.
The first of these, HMS St Albans, underwent the crucial test in December 2024, with HMS Iron Duke following shortly thereafter in January 2025. Both ships were assessed under an existing framework agreement with BAE Systems and DE&S.
Inclining experiments play a vital role in ship certification by measuring the vessel’s weight and centre of gravity under controlled conditions. These measurements are critical for ensuring optimal stability and safety during future deployments.
A&P Falmouth’s specialised team, led by Marine Operations Manager Tim Sykes, has streamlined the process to take just six days from the ship’s arrival to departure, minimising downtime and increasing vessel availability.
Matt Weetch, APCL’s Director of Defence, praised the efficiency and expertise behind the successful operations: “It is great to see Royal Navy Type 23 frigates at our Falmouth facility over the last few months. Both vessels have benefitted from APCL’s commercial marine expertise and engineering flexibility.” He added: “The quick turnaround of the two ships showcases APCL Group’s ability to deliver high-quality, timely results.”
As both HMS St Albans and HMS Iron Duke return to active duty, Weetch extended his best wishes: “All at A&P Falmouth and the wider APCL Group wish HMS Iron Duke and HMS St Albans well as they sail for their next taskings.”
Have to say I would love to own a real Time Machine, I’d go back a hundred years so I could see a Battleship being inclined. It must have been a hell of a sight.
I’d love to see HMS Captain being inclined…. oh wait…
Or the process of careening a frigate on a far off tropical island. The skill-set of the crew was incredible.
I presume with this Labour government the two frigates had to lean to the left? Asking for a friend.
Very funny!
This “labour” government? The frigate would have nodded to the left briefly before veering to the right.
And stealing grandmas biscuits.
It would be a series of U turns before running aground under Labour.
Does that mean, leaning over’?
Six days we did it on a Merchant ship in half a day.
Always was 1 day for deadweight survey and 1 day for the experiment. No idea where 6 days comes from, you have to complete the experiment part in a day or it’s not valid. 0.5 a day for merchant ships shows what can be done when availability really counts.
Day 1 Arrive / Enter Dry dock
Day 2 / 3 – Weekend
Day 4 / 5 do test
Day 6 – Leave dry dock/depart
??
This is not that big a deal it is done regularly in the commercial world and annually on Ferries and other class 1 ships. All the information is contained in MSIS43 Rev 05.23 which is on line including the mathmatics and all of which is part of the UK Mates COC.
Real credit to Tim for the increased efficiency
Seems a touch late to leave it if you are checking stability post-LIFEX which completed June 23 (Iron Duke) and March 24 (St Albans)