GRIMSBY Refit – The Sandown Class Minecountermeasure Vessel GRIMSBY is to undergo a routine refit at Rosyth as part of the “Surface Ship Support Alliance Class Output Management Phase 2 arrangements”, which came into effect in April 2012, under which Babcock leads the Sandown class Class Output Management.   The Surface Ship Support Alliance is an alliance between the MoD, Babcock and BAE Systems.

In addition to a substantial maintenance package, the refit programme includes a number of upgrades and improvements which will include a first of class replacement of the entire fire detection system, an upgraded high pressure air system, the Defence Information Infrastructure which provides a coherent infrastructure to enable information sharing and collaborative working across the defence sector network; the Centrix communications system; fresh water embarkation unit, plus a package to enhance operations in hot climates; and a galley upgrade.  In addition, the maintenance package includes an extensive programme of protective coatings renewal on both the hull and weather decks.   The GRIMSBY is expected to leave Rosyth for sea trials at the end of 2012.