24 Jun 2021

Duqm Naval Dockyard completes first of a kind Royal Navy double engine replacement in Middle East

Image of HMS Montrose, seen here carrying out protection duties for British shipping in the Gulf region. HMS MONTROSE is currently carrying out duties patrolling the Gulf, keeping the shipping lanes safe and ensuring that international trade is not threatened. In the first two months on patrol in 2019 HMS MONTROSE safeguarded over 6 million tonnes of British Shipping. HMS MONTROSE is a type 23 frigate originally based in Plymouth and is the Royal Navy’s forward operating ship based out in the Gulf for the upcoming years and works on a watch rotation basis. Every 4 months the port and starboard crew rotate. The Starboard crew of HMS MONTROSE is made up from sailors from HMS MONMOUTH.

Duqm Naval Dockyard (DND), the Joint Venture between Babcock International and ASYAD Drydock (Oman Drydock Company), has completed a first of its kind double engine replacement for the Royal Navy in the Middle East.

Undertaken at Asyad dry dock facility at Duqm, in Oman, this complex operation to replace the Forward Auxiliary Machinery Room generators was a package of more than 500 items, and enabled the Royal Navy to sustain operations within the region as the latest example of Babcock’s global reach.

Part of an extensive fleet time support programme for HMS Montrose in the Middle East, the team also stripped back the flightdeck and fully repainted it; completed funnel cowling repairs; and built and tested a brand new, main shaft seal cofferdam.  All activities during the eleven-week repair period were completed against the backdrop of strict COVID working protocols and challenging temperatures.

Will Erith, Babcock’s Marine Sector Chief Executive, said: “Once again, our Joint Venture team has supported the Royal Navy in Oman, delivering an on time, to cost comprehensive maintenance programme, including the first Forward Auxiliary Machinery Room double engine replacement in the Middle East. Our global support approach underpins the service we deliver whenever, wherever our customers require.”

Commander Collins, Commanding Officer, HMS Montrose, said: “As the Royal Navy continues to maintain a forward presence around the globe, utilising Duqm as an engineering and logistical hub has provided an outstanding opportunity to conduct improvements and upgrades to HMS Montrose. It ensures we can sustain operations at reach from the UK and reinforces our strong relationship with Oman.”

Duqm Naval Dockyard offers global navies a comprehensive repair and logistics hub to support operations at reach and for sustained periods.