SeaKing Group RFA Fort Victoria refit

Word on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Victoria began in September 2017 to extend its operational lifespan to the late 2020s. Improvements to the Replenishment at Sea (RAS) equipment will enable the vessel to replenish the UK’s new Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers. An upgrade to the bridge section also aims to improve navigation.

SeaKing Group managing director Dave Gillam said the firm undertook a feasibility study for Cammell Laird and the MoD, following which, the “decision was then made to strip the entire interior of the Bridge back to its shell and replace it with a more efficient layout.”

Reconfiguration task

He explained SeaKing was responsible for the overhaul and reconfiguration of legacy equipment and installation of equipment including new RADAR’s, the Warship Electronic Charting Display & Information System (WECDIS) and Navigation Distribution & Conning System (NDACS).

SeaKing and other subcontractors worked on the full system integration within the bridge section. This included the set up and synchronisation of key equipment such as steering gear, signals and controls, wind speed and direction, gyro inputs, ships speed log, pitch and roll, ships AIS, voyage data recordings, main engine and propulsion signals, new NVG compatible navigation lighting and associated controls, and numerous other naval communications systems.

Additional work involved the design, manufacture and installation of a new deck lighting control system. This was achieved with an HMI Touchscreen providing automated control.

By Rebecca Jeffrey