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PICTURES: HMS Sutherland returns to sea after nearly four years following a major overhaul





HMS Sutherland has returned to sea after nearly four years following a major overhaul in Devonport dockyard.

The ship is the last Type 23 frigate to receive the life-extending upgrades carried out by defence contractor Babcock, which will keep her in service alongside her sisters until the mid-2030s.

Captain Stuart Yates giving a briefing to the crew on the lower deck. Picture: Royal Navy
Captain Stuart Yates giving a briefing to the crew on the lower deck. Picture: Royal Navy

Sutherland has sailed from Devonport to begin sea trials and training before rejoining the Royal Navy’s fleet for operations around the world – namely on submarine hunting missions in the North Atlantic.

HMS Sutherland departing Devonport. Picture: Royal Navy
HMS Sutherland departing Devonport. Picture: Royal Navy
Members of HMS Sutherland pull rope lines in. Picture: Royal Navy
Members of HMS Sutherland pull rope lines in. Picture: Royal Navy
Members of HMS Sutherland prepare for wholeship inspection. Picture: Royal Navy
Members of HMS Sutherland prepare for wholeship inspection. Picture: Royal Navy

The ship has undergone a full structural survey and a major upgrade, including more than 800 inserts and 11,500 weld repairs, demanding more than five kilometres of welding.

As a fighting vessel, ‘The Fighting Clan’ has also received an upgraded 2150 sonar system, which required the removal of the sonar bow dome – a major lifting operation involving specialist support.

She is also the last ship in her class to be fitted with the Sea Ceptor missile system, which has now been proven in action after HMS Richmond shot down drones in the Gulf last year.

"HMS Sutherland has benefited from a significant modernisation and extension of key weapons, sensors, and equipment in this extensive refit,” said the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander James Wallington-Smith.

“This achievement is down to the hard graft and considerable efforts of both the ship's company and Babcock, working closely together to deliver success.

“The ship and her crew are now ready for the next stage of trials and training as she returns to service.”

Entire sections of the ship have been deconstructed and then rebuilt to allow for engine, generator and machinery control upgrades; forward and aft switchboards; new diesel generator and motor generator sets in the forward and upper auxiliary machinery rooms; and the installation of several miles of new pipework and cables.

Prior to her return to sea, Babcock handed over the ship to the Royal Navy in a small ceremony on board before she continued down the River Tamar into Plymouth Sound.

The LIFEX (life extension), led by the international defence company Babcock, saw the work completed in custom facilities including Devonport’s frigate refit complex and dry dock. HMS Sutherland is the last ship in her class to go through the overhaul. Picture: Royal Navy
The LIFEX (life extension), led by the international defence company Babcock, saw the work completed in custom facilities including Devonport’s frigate refit complex and dry dock. HMS Sutherland is the last ship in her class to go through the overhaul. Picture: Royal Navy
Above: The ship is beginning sea trials. Picture: Royal Navy
Above: The ship is beginning sea trials. Picture: Royal Navy

Sir Nick Hine, managing director of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said: “After a significant upkeep programme, it is fantastic to see HMS Sutherland starting sea trials and be well on her way to achieving full capability before rejoining the fleet.

“Our team has provided trusted expertise, utilising our long-standing through-life support experience, to get the ship ready before she resumes her journey in support of the nation’s defence.

“We are proud to support these important naval assets and to work alongside our colleagues in the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy.”

After almost a decade-long programme of upgrade work to the Royal Navy’s ships in Devonport, HMS Sutherland – is the latest Type 23 specialist anti-submarine warfare frigate to complete the process. Picture: Royal Navy
After almost a decade-long programme of upgrade work to the Royal Navy’s ships in Devonport, HMS Sutherland – is the latest Type 23 specialist anti-submarine warfare frigate to complete the process. Picture: Royal Navy

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