Planning for the fourth and last Vanguard class Long Overhaul
Period and Refuel (LOP(R)), to be undertaken by Babcock at
Devonport Royal Dockyard on HMS Vengeance, has reached an important
milestone with the submission of the tender, following
identification of the full work package requirement, for the three
and a half year, multi-million pound refit.
The workscope will include fitting Vengeance with the latest
reactor core, as used in the new Astute class submarines, fuelling
the submarine for life, and a number of updates and upgrades to her
tactical and strategic weapons systems, as well as surveys, hull
& structure preservation and overhaul of all the submarine's
major components, systems and equipment. The workscope includes
some first-of-class fits, with the intention to install main static
converters to replace the high maintenance motor generators for
essential electrical power conversion, a significant package of
work to upgrade the propulsion system instrumentation, and a
possible upgrade to tactical combat systems. Overall the programme
will involve over two million manhours and around 2,000 Babcock
personnel.
Building on lessons learnt from previous Vanguard class LOP(R)s,
a number of components in systems such as hydraulic systems,
pressurised gas systems and trim, bilge and ballast system valves
and pipework will be removed and overhauled without requiring
initial survey or test, saving time and enabling advance
planning.
The LOP(R) will also feature an increase in constructive surveys
of the submarine hull to ensure it is in good condition for
on-going life, made possible by the latest non-destructive testing
(NDT) techniques such as Time of Flight Diffraction (ToFD) and
corrosion mapping using phased array ultrasonics technology. Using
this technology enables more detail to be gained than has
previously been possible, while reducing the level of radiography
(and therefore radiological hazard) involved.
The contracting agreement between Babcock and the MoD to
undertake the LOP(R) on Vengeance will reflect the ground-breaking
arrangement established on Vigilant, with a focus on joint working
and fully embedded partnering, greater transparency of information
including financial data, cost-reduction while improving safety and
quality standards, and incentives to achieve or better the agreed
schedule.
Babcock project manager Jonathan Benzie comments: "Having
submitted the tender to the MoD is a significant milestone in the
planning process. We have of course built in 'Learning from
Experience' from previous Vanguard-class LOP(R)s, which will
deliver further improvements in a number of areas, from the
workscope itself to facility support requirements. We will also be
building on initiatives such as the Industry Day which proved
successful on Vigilant, as an opportunity for early engagement with
the supply chain on Vengeance."
Further work to be undertaken in the remainder of the planning
phase for the Vengeance LOP(R), which began in September 2010, will
include negotiations with the MoD to reach final agreement on
contracted scope, price and programme. Additionally, teams will
continue to plan in detail their respective areas of the project,
such as preparation of test forms, nuclear procedures and other
documentation, issue of detailed 3rd level schedules and individual
scheduling of every work element. As well as planning activities,
teams will be carrying out maintenance around the 9 Dock facility
at Devonport to ensure the facility and its equipment is fit for
purpose.
The planning phase is being undertaken by a joint team involving
Babcock, the MoD (DE&S), and Rolls-Royce, each leading in their
fields of expertise. This combined team ensures efficient use of
resources and builds an effective team ready to undertake the
LOP(R), which will start next year as HMS Vigilant leaves Devonport
on completion of her LOP(R) in 2012.