RFA Argus refit nears completion

The refit contract has been delivered on time and within budget

The multi-million pound refit of a Devonport-based ship is nearing completion in Cornwall.

The 28,000 Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Argus has spent the past three months in A&P Falmouth's dry dock.

Argus, which doubles as a floating hospital, has had a major weapons and communications system overhaul.

The casualty reception area and crew facilities have also been upgraded as part of a programme which could extend the ship's operational life to 2020.

About 440 tonnes of concrete has been removed from under the flight deck of the helicopter training ship and 600 tonnes of ballast added lower in the vessel to improve its stability.

A&P Falmouth won the £12m refit contract in 2004 and the work, involving about 200 people a day, has been delivered on time and within budget.

The Ministry of Defence has been considering proposals to base RFA Argus in the Cornish port permanently.