Portsmouth-based Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has highlighted its expansion in the commercial shiprepair market after being awarded a five-year contract to carry out the annual dockings of the British Antarctic Survey’s Royal Research Ships (RRS) James Clark Ross and Ernest Shackleton.
FSL completed an earlier five-year deal with the BAS last year and the new agreement, won in open competition, will see the two ships start their programmes by entering dock at Portsmouth Naval Base later this year.
James Clark Ross will arrive in June for a docking period lasting up to six weeks. FSL will assist in fitting a replacement engine control system and will also embark on a rolling window replacement programme, besides routine hull and machinery maintenance.
James Clark Ross will be followed in September by the Ernest Shackleton, which is expected to dock for up to four weeks for annual surveys and maintenance, including work on the ship’s propellers, tail shaft and thrusters.
BAS Head of Technology and Engineering David Blake explained: “FSL has previously provided us with the right level of service at a competitive price. Following a competitive tender and a comprehensive evaluation of the proposals as received, we had no hesitation in committing ourselves to a further long-term agreement.”
FSL Engineering and Ship Support Director Mal Lewis explained: “We are delighted to secure this extension of our successful partnering with BAS. Long-term agreements enable us to plan our forward resources and ensure customers secure the maximum levels of service. We see this type of agreement increasing in the future.”
The agreement with BAS follows a three-year docking deal that FSL has negotiated with cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink, which involves refitting the line’s eight ro-pax ferries annually.
“We are steadily increasing our customer base and strengthening Portsmouth’s position as an attractive option for commercial shiprepair in the UK,” added Mr Lewis.
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