RFA Argus refit in Falmouth helps safeguard 200 jobs
6:00pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News
RFA Argus in dry dock at Falmouth
A FAMILIAR sight in port, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Argus is back in Falmouth where she will remain into the summer while she undergoes a major refit which will help sustain around 200 jobs.
The work is being carried out by A&P Falmouth as part of the company's through life support “cluster” contract with the Ministry of Defence. The ship's refit cycle is five yearly and this is the second one undertaken at the docks since the contract was placed in 2008.
The multi-million refit will include general upkeep and upgrade work to ship systems to ensure compliance with the relevant certification authorities. This will include replacement of the existing lifeboats, overhaul of the main engines, installation of a new emergency generator, fitting of new engine control systems and an extensive paint and preservation package.
Gerald Pitts, A&P's cluster director, said: “The arrival of RFA Argus for her refit demonstrates once again the benefits of the cluster contract and is the culmination of 12 months of design and planning work ready for implementation by A&P Falmouth production teams.
“Over the past four years the cluster contract has ensured that the ship and her crew have received the highest level of support whilst showing value for money to the MoD and has allowed A&P Falmouth to plan work with obvious benefits to employees and the surrounding economy also.”
Commodore David Preston (RFA), head of the MoD's commercially supported shipping team, added: “The refit will keep RFA Argus in peak operating condition and we are pleased that our relationship with A&P Falmouth is continuing to reap rewards for both the Ministry of Defence and the company.”
A&P Falmouth's contract with the MoD for the long-term maintenance of RFA ships was originally signed in 2008 and has recently been extended by five years, taking it to 2018 following a value for money review.
