RFA Fort Austin was built by Scotts of Greenock on the Clyde and launched in 1978. She was accepted into service in 1979.

Tyne shipyard completes refit of RFA FORT AUSTIN
RFA praises A&P Tyne for 'great achievement' with tight timescale...
 

A&P Tyne Ltd, part of A&P Group Ltd, has successfully completed the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) refit contract on RFA Fort Austin for the UK Ministry of Defence.

The vessel departed the yard and successfully completed sea-trials on 23rd November 2007.

The scope of A&P’s work involved upgrades to the internal and external communications fits, new bridge and command arrangements, improved helicopter landing aids and improved fire suppression systems. The project also involved increasing the capability of the ship by fitting a variety of defensive weapons systems, together with a large amount of planned maintenance work
to ensure the ship continues to operate efficiently and remains within Lloyds Register Classification.

Ian Schumacker, RFA Superintendent, stated,

“The refit of RFA Fort Austin involved a large work package including numerous enhancements all of which were to be completed within a very tight timescale. The A&P Tyne Project Team, from the beginning, took the challenge and strove to deliver the vessel back to the MOD as early as possible to meet the vessel’s future commitments. A firm resolve, partnership and good communications, backed by strong leadership and professionalism has delivered a quality product back to the MOD and I would like to personally thank all those involved for such a great achievement.”

Andy Shaw, Project Director, commented,

“This refit has provided a challenge to all involved and throughout we worked as a team with the RFA and our sub-contractors. The fleet imperative to return the vessel at the earliest possible date and the significant levels of emergent work required A&P Tyne to draw upon all of its resources, indeed, at peak times during there were in excess of 600 personnel working on the vessel. I believe the major factor contributing to the project’s success was the fact that the majority of tradesmen, supervisors and management had an excellent understanding of the vessel and of the workmanship standards required to satisfy the RFA”.