Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has returned the Type 23 frigate to sea on time following a successful eight-month upgrade in Portsmouth.

Improvements to the ship have included flight deck and hangar enhancements to allow her to carry the Merlin helicopter, accommodation refurbishments and updated IT systems.

Portland will carry out sea trials in the Channel before returning to Portsmouth for a scheduled return to the Fleet early in the New Year. The ship will then undergo training off Plymouth and by next May will be ready to deploy anywhere in the world.

Her Commanding Officer, Commander Rob Bellfield, said: “We have had a successful eight months alongside in Portsmouth and are now looking forward to getting back to sea to fully test the ship and the ship’s company.”