Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has completed the latest chapter in its refit commitment to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) fleet with a 21-day maintenance and survey docking of the Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The menu of activities included several tasks related to ten-year survey requirements, notably inspection and overhaul of underwater valves. The programme also included removal and overhaul of the ship's Azimuth propulsor and one of the stern thrusters, plus painting of underwater areas.

FSL completed a more extensive package of work on the BAS ship James Clark Ross earlier in the year and is now preparing for the traditional refit programme for fast ferries. First passenger catamaran scheduled for refit in Portsmouth is the Condor Vitesse, which is due to arrive in late November. She is expected to be followed by several other fast ferries.

"We expect to consolidate further our position this winter as a significant service provider for fast ferry refits and annual maintenance," said FSL Director of Engineering Mal Lewis.