BAY CLASS Landing Ships Update – these three ships are proving versatile workhorses in the RFA Flotilla and are maintained by way of a “Cluster Contract” between the commercial A&P Group and the MoD to provide worldwide support to the ships. The partnership is designed to provide a more economical approach to ship repair and maintenance through advanced planning, knowledge of the vessels, continuous improvements in working practices.    It is expected to deliver millions of pounds of savings to the MOD over 30 years on the previous arrangements.    The Cluster Contract” for the A&P Group is executed at Falmouth and includes the three (3) Bay Class Landing Ships and the Aviation Training Ship RFA ARGUS.   The contract started in 2009 with the major refit of the RFA ARGUS and was followed by major refits of the RFA MOUNTS BAY (2010), RFA LARGS BAY (2011) and since sold to Australia.   The present status of the Bay Class Landing Ships is :-

RFA LYME BAY – currently serving in the Gulf and is due at A&P Falmouth this summer (2012) for a major refit.

RFA MOUNTS BAY - was at A&P Falmouth for much of March (2012) for maintenance, including the main engine, electrics, lifeboats and life saving equipment and then resumed operational tasking in preparation d for duties as the Olympic Guard Ship this summer, based in Portland (Weymouth Bay).

RFA CARDIGAN BAY - Currently at Portland having completed a major refit, which included the installation of a complete new exhaust system and a major overhaul of its main engines, propulsion and electrical systems, the work taking four months and was completed in January (2012).   The vessel then stayed at A&P, for a communication upgrade prior and is shortly heading to the Gulf to relieve RFA LYME BAY.