England

HMS Lancaster gets major refit

HMS Lancaster has returned to sea for the first time in 16 months following a major upgrade.

The Type 23 frigate, named after the Duke of Lancaster, has benefited from a £22m refit including superstructure changes, refurbishment of her engines and new weapon systems.

The upgrade was carried out in Portsmouth by BAE Systems. Lancaster has had four new diesel generators fitted, all four turbine engines overhauled, anti-fouling paint applied to the keel and the addition of a transom flap at the stern which makes her far more fuel-efficient.

Upgrades to her weapon systems and sensors have included new fully automatic 30mm close range guns on either side of the ship and an updated Seawolf missile system.

Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, Commander Steve Moorhouse, said: “I feel extremely privileged to command Lancaster as we emerge from an extended refit period with state of the art weapon technologies, powerful engines and a ship’s company that are well trained and highly motivated.