HMS Scott, the largest ocean survey vessel in Western Europe, will remain in Royal Navy service until 2033 following a comprehensive Life Extension Programme (SLEP).
This announcement comes as a surprise given that the ship was listed for sale by the UK Defence Equipment Sales Authority in March 2023, with the Navy confirming significant interest at the time.
Instead of being sold, HMS Scott will undergo an extensive overhaul at the A&P Falmouth facility in Southwest England, managed by APCL Group. The programme aims to rejuvenate the vessel and ensure her operational readiness for the next decade.
The upgrades planned as part of the SLEP include a docking period in No. 3 Dock, a full hull blast and recoat, and the replacement of several onboard systems. Enhancements will include new water management systems, sewage treatment plants, thermal oil boilers, and LED lighting installations. Additionally, four Cummins generators will be removed and overhauled, internal doors will be replaced, and lifeboat davits will be upgraded.
HMS Scott’s Commanding Officer, Samuel Nightingale, emphasised the vessel’s importance to both the Royal Navy and NATO, stating, “HMS Scott, and the capability she offers, is not only unique in the Royal Navy but also across the whole of NATO. Over the course of her service life so far, she has probably surveyed a greater area of seabed than any other vessel in history.” Reflecting on the ship’s future, he added, “Following the Life Extension Programme at A&P Falmouth, I look forward to returning to the fleet with a rejuvenated ship brimming with all the latest capabilities.”
The project will also improve living and working conditions for the crew. Tim Henshaw, DE&S RFA Group Technical Superintendent, explained, “The Life Extension will include the overhaul and service of all major parts of the ship’s propulsion systems, ship’s services, and mission systems. The time in port also allows for improvements in the ship’s crew living and working areas, with the upgrade of the galley and improvements in accommodation areas.”
APCL Group, which has supported major shipbuilding projects for the Royal Navy, expressed pride in its role. Matt Weetch, Director of Defence at APCL, stated, “APCL is proud to be supporting HMS Scott in her life extension package, ensuring this vital platform can continue to support the Royal Navy well into the next decade.”
Mike Spicer, Managing Director of A&P Falmouth, highlighted the collaboration involved in the project. “HMS Scott is no stranger to Falmouth, and we are looking forward to working with her ship’s company, sub-contractors, and partners in DE&S to ensure this vital capability is ready and available for her future taskings,” he said. He also noted that the project would provide valuable training opportunities for apprentices at the shipyard.
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Good. Might get scrapped in the SDR
Whilst not a particularly ‘sexy’ announcement in warfighting terms, this is probably the most important decision the MOD have made in several years.
What this ship provides to the fleet in terms of data wrt water conditions is absolutely immense. ASW both below, on the sea and in the air just doesn’t happen without this information.
Credit where credit is due for a change, someone had some sense to stop the sale. Whatever the cost of the SLEP it’s worth it many times over.