A&P Tyne Gets MoD Contract

The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) Warship Support Agency (WSA) has awarded the dry dock and repair contract of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Victoria to A&P Tyne at Wallsend. The multi million pound contract is excellent news for the local community as it will provide work for up to 500 men including subcontractors during March, April and May (2002) in the Wallsend yard. The work includes hull preparation and painting, main engine overhaul, repairs to deck machinery and Replenishment at Sea (RAS) equipment, electrical work and an extensive alterations and additions package. The Fort Victoria is one of the most complex vessels operated by the RFA. The 17,000dwt vessel is 203.9m in length and 30m in beam and was built in 1990 at Belfast's Harland & Wolff. The vessel is classed by the Ministry of Defence as an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) vessel which carries fuel, ammunition, naval stores and food for front line vessels and is designed to support three helicopters and provide second line maintenance for frigate based helicopters.