Babcock International Secures Contract for Work on Naval Service 'P60' Class in Cork Harbour

17th August 2021

Babcock International has secured a contract for the central cooling systems of the Irish Naval Service series of OPV's, the P60 Samuel Beckett class with the work to take place in Cork Harbour. AFLOAT adds the quartet, among them the final OPV, LÉ George Bernard Shaw (P64) were all built by Babcock Marine & Technology at their former shipyard (above) in Appledore, north Devon which was acquired last year, see related 'Shipyards' story off 11th August. Credit: INS-facebook

Babcock International has been awarded a contract to deliver the installation of variable speed drive system for the central cooling systems on board the Irish Naval Service series of P60 Samuel Beckett class vessels.

Work by the aeropace, defence and security company will commence later this year at the Naval Service Base in Haulbowline, Cork Harbour.

The variable speed drive system was first installed on the central cooling system of the fourth Offshore Patrol Vessel, LÉ George Bernard Shaw (P64) at time of build (by Babcock Marine), enabling the vessel to use a variety of power outputs depending on the conditions and requirements.

The system has proven to be very successful, with the Irish Naval Service requesting it to be installed across the class to save power, fuel and cost, whilst providing a more environmentally friendly running option across the class.

The contract will see Babcock working alongside a range of suppliers to complete the work package for the Irish Naval Service, which will include all aspects of the project from design to engineering assurance.

Gary Simpson, Managing Director, Babcock’s Marine Support business, said: “We’re pleased to continue our close working relationship with the Irish Naval Service and particularly to support this environmentally efficient system.

“We are immensely proud of the work we carried out to build the P60 Samuel Beckett Class and welcome the opportunity to continue supporting these fantastic Offshore Patrol Vessels and the Irish Naval Service."

“Our ability to support global navies is founded on collaboration with a real focus on our customers’ operational success.”

Captain Roberts, Officer Commanding Naval Support Command, said: “The installation of the variable speed drive upgrades on the P60 Samuel Beckett Class demonstrates our climate change objectives, following the Government’s Climate Action Plan, in action. Babcock International have proven know-how to deliver this project, having already installed the system on LÉ George Bernard Shaw, and we look forward to working alongside them."

Published in Cork Harbour

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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