Fleet Support Limited (FSL) won a demanding race against the clock to prepare the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible for deployment after completing an expanded Fleet Time Support Programme (FTSP) in Portsmouth.

Up to 100 Fleet Time Engineering personnel from FSL and the Royal Navy teamed up to carry out an extensive repair package including flight deck represervation, shaft repairs and machinery work.

Their efforts led to fulsome praise from the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Neil Morisetti. He commented: “That all of this has been achieved in such a short time and Invincible was ready to deploy is of great credit to the teamwork and professionalism displayed by all involved.”

Additional work that emerged as the maintenance programme unfolded meant the length of the support period more than doubled with FSL staff working throughout the Christmas period to ensure the carrier was ready.

Bearings on both shafts needed to be replaced and the original area of the flight deck earmarked for preservation more than doubled to 3,000 square metres or some 80 per cent of the deck. Engine and diesel generator changes were also needed along with a myriad of pipework replacement. In addition, major structural repairs were needed following the collapse of a quayside crane onto the ship’s deck and superstructure in November.

FSL Project Manager Kevin Menage explained: “With a ship of this age, emerging work is a major consideration when you embark on a support package. The bearing problem meant we had to contend with an unscheduled docking and it required a considerable team effort from FSL, RN and sub-contract personnel to ensure that the ship met her deployment.”