Portsmouth-based naval support company Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has started work on the latest Royal Navy Type 23 frigate to enter its facilities for maintenance.

The docking of the Plymouth-based HMS Portland heralds a five-month programme to upgrade the 1999-built ship that will keep some 150 FSL personnel busy throughout the summer.

The enhancement package includes a complete upgrade of the ship’s aviation facilities that will enable her to operate the Merlin helicopter, and the fitting of the Surface Ship Torpedo Defence suite, improving her employability around the world.  This is coupled with extensive refurbishment work of both her hull and living accommodation, which should see her safely through to her first refit in 2011.

FSL Engineering Director Mal Lewis explained: “HMS Portland will be another opportunity for us to demonstrate our growing expertise in work on Type 23 frigates and to develop our aspirations towards becoming a centre of excellence for this class of ship.”

FSL is also currently refitting HMS Portland’s sister ship HMS Richmond and is regenerating three ex-RN Type 23s which have been sold to the Chilean Navy.