Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has completed work on regnerating the Chilean Navy’s new frigate Almirante Cochrane (formerly HMS Norfolk), which was handed over in late November.

FSL has carried out an extensive  programme of work on the ship, which is the first of three ex-Royal Navy Type 23 frigates that will enter service with the Chilean Navy.

Working under the prime contractorship of BAE Systems Customer Solutions & Support (CS&S), FSL is carrying out a similar package on the former HMS Grafton and HMS Marlborough. Almirante Lynch (ex-HMS Grafton) will be handed over next year and Almirante Condell (ex-HMS Marlborough) will follow in 2008.

The package on Almirante Cochrane has included replacement of one of her Rolls Royce Spey gas turbines. In addition, two diesel engines were removed and fully overhauled.

FSL has gained considerable experience in regenerating ships and offering follow-on support. Their experience is that even when a ship has been laid up for only a few months she can be affected quickly by factors such as water ingress and corrosion of de-pressurised ship’s HP air, fuel and hydraulic systems, besides deterioration of the upper deck husbandry. This reactivation work requires knowledge of the ship types and specialist expertise.

FSL Director of Engineering and Ship Support, Mal Lewis, commented: “Our experience working with the Type 23 Class has been extremely important in regenerating these ships. We have delivered the first of three highly effective ships that will be a valuable addition to the Chilean Navy.”

The Type 23s are another boost to FSL’s export pedigree following the successful completion of a two-ship regeneration programme involving former Royal Navy Type 22 frigates, which were sold to the Romanian Navy, again under the prime contractorship of BAE Systems CS&S.