MDT-UK ON SCHEDULE FOR FORT VICTORIA SHIP OVERHAUL

In January 2014, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Victoria stores ship and tanker was dry docked at the Cammell Laird Ship Repair Yard in Birkenhead for a planned 12-month refit as part of a larger programme to extend its service life to 2030.

Originally launched in May 1990, the 31,000 tonne vessel (pictured above) has seen service in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean whilst in more recent times she has been part of NATO’s mission to combat Somalian piracy off the east coast of Africa.

At the end of 2013, MAN Diesel & Turbo UK Ltd (MDT-UK) tendered for the work to cover spares, service and the overhaul of major engine components. Following the successful award of the contract at the beginning of this year, MDT-UK began the work in February and expects to complete all requirements by the end of July in line with the customer’s expectations.

The scope of work was to carry out major overhauls on the 2 x Pielstick 16 Cylinder PC 2.6 main propulsion engines. The service team removed major components which were then shipped to MDT-UK’s Colchester facility for refurbishment.

Stockport-based Field Service Contracts Engineer Jim Turner has been working closely with staff in Colchester to co-ordinate the service and overhaul activities. He has continued to receive excellent support from members of the team at both locations which has enabled MDT-UK to keep to the customer’s schedule.