Cluster Repair Contract at A&P Falmouth – the fifth ship to have a multi-million pound refit as part of the Cluster contract at A&P Falmouth, has arrived in the port for work to begin.   The Landing Ship RFA LYME BAY has returned to the UK after three years in the Gulf supporting coalition operations.  The RFA LYME BAY has been acting as “mothership” to the (UK) Bahrain Mine Countermeasure Squadron deployed in the Gulf.   The RFA LYME BAY has been relived by sistership RFA CARDIGAN BAY which left Falmouth earlier this year after receiving her own major refit and communication upgrade.

The Cluster Support Programme – a contract between A&P Group and the MoD to provide worldwide support covers the three BAY Class Landing Ships, the RFA CARDIGAN BAY, RFA LYME BAY and RFA MOUNTS BAY plus the Aviation Training Ship RFA ARGUS.

The five month programme of work to the RFA LYME BAY will include a new exhaust; ballast water treatment installation; an overhaul of the main engines and propulsion systems; survey and recertification work; a full paint and antifouling programme plus general upkeep and maintenance.     A&P Falmouth has become a one stop shop for the four RFA vessels with its spares supply service - it provides all the in service spares and logistics to ensure the vessels and their land based stores are kept fully stocked to keep them operational.

A&P Falmouth will undertake the planned refit of the Aviation Training Ship RFA ARGUS in 2013.