HMS Scott has started a revamp in Falmouth, say the Royal Navy.
According to a news release, the 13,500-tonne vessel is used to ‘hoover up information from the oceans to assist both Royal Navy operations and seafarers around the globe’.
“Scott was away for nine months, much of them spent in the South Atlantic, including a spell in the unforgiving waters between South America and Antarctica – Drake’s Passage – and a couple of months in the Falklands Islands.”
As a result the 130m/430ft hull needs some cleaning and maintenance, among other work required in the hands of Cornish shipyard A&P, before Scott returns to sea later this year to resume her survey work.
“Entering dry dock is complex for any ship and with this entry being in the middle of the night it was especially important that everyone was focused on the task and that we didn’t make any mistakes,” said Navigating Officer Lieutenant Charlotte Eddy.
The ship’s overhaul will be carried out by a mixture of ship’s company, a special team from the MOD’s DE&S support organisation and engineers and technicians from A&P Falmouth, say the Royal Navy.
She looks great, especially after 9 months at sea.
You took the words out of my mouth Andy. Now if they could find an affordable and durable anchor chain that didn’t rust…
What about a synthetic rope?
Would it be strong enough?
Used for tying a ship to a key and a number of cranes use synthetic rope instead of steel wire, so why not?
MCMVs use bronze… But you get green verdigris instead of brown rust… Choose your branch… You take your chance.
Indeed. Even Stainless and Aluminium get white rust in a marine environment
I’m glad I’m not the only one that this gets too Geoff!
You would think we could come up with something better in the 21st century, then again I suppose its the ultimate in tried-and-true technology.
Hi Andy. I wonder if the standard RN anchor chain is galvanised or coated mild steel? Steel is strong and can handle film thickness loss due to corrosion so as you say-tried and tested
Just a note on anchors for the uninitiated. The anchor itself provides the means of securing the location but is actually only a part of the system. It is the anchor chain that provides the deadweight and drag necessary to hold the ship in position. Typically, a ship will lay out at least three times the water depth of chain to secure its location. Rope or SWR are useful for mooring but hopeless for effective anchoring unless you are on a lay barge where multi-point mooring is effected by tugs. Mild steel has a relative density of about 5 and… Read more »
Many thanks Herodotus-as always expert comment on this site!
I’m kind of surprised a ship this size does not have a dedicated helipad or hangar?