In A First, UK Royal Navy Sends 2 Auxiliary Vessels To India For Essential Maintenance

In a substantial development emphasizing the relations between the United Kingdom and India, Royal Fleet Auxiliary (abbreviated the RFA) vessels RFA Argus and Lyme Bay reached L&T Shipbuilding’s Kattupalli Shipyard in Chennai for the Assisted Maintenance Period (abbreviated the AMP) and Self Maintenance Period (abbreviated the SMP), respectively.

The collaboration commemorates a historical milestone in the longstanding association between India and the UK in the broader maritime domain. L&T Shipbuilding’s choice shows its growing stature in shipbuilding and repairs.

The RFA Lyme Bay is a 16,600 dwt Bay-class landing vessel dock designed to deliver vehicles, troops, ammunition, stores, and support ongoing waves of an amphibious assault.

The 28,000-dwt RFA Argus is classified as a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship belonging to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

It serves as a floating medical facility with a 100-bed medical complex. The scope of the vessels’ operations was kept a secret during their duration in the Mediterranean.

However, in January 2024, RFA Lyme Bay delivered 80 tonnes of vital supplies to Egypt to aid Gaza residents.

Given the next-gen infrastructure, expanse, and skilled workforce, L&T’s Shipyard, equipped with a ship lift facility and several dry and wet berths, is adequately equipped to handle the complex maintenance necessities of contemporary naval vessels.

Oliver Ballhatchet MBE, the Deputy British High Commissioner, said this is the first time Royal Navy vessels are going through maintenance schedules in India.

The move symbolizes an effort toward the India-UK 2030 Roadmap and echoes a shared understanding of the international security issues in the Indian Ocean Region.

Commenting on the landmark event, Mr J D Patil, a Member of the Executive Council of Management and the Advisor to CMD – L&T, mentioned that the collaboration between L&T Shipbuilding and the Royal Navy exemplifies the partnership spirit and is a direct consequence of the logistics-sharing pact that was signed between the two countries back in 2022.

Reference: Naval News

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