HMS Ocean refit running behind schedule

The GBP65 million (USD111 million) refit of the UK Royal Navy (RN) helicopter carrier HMS Ocean is running more than three months behind schedule, sources have told IHS Jane's . The delay has resulted in Invincible-class former carrier HMS Illustrious being brought to readiness to replace Ocean on a major exercise in the Middle East.

Work on Ocean , undertaken at Babcock Marine at Devonport naval base, was scheduled to have been completed in March. However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed to IHS Jane's on 9 July that the ship has not yet been handed back to the RN.

The 15-month-long refit programme began in December 2012 and has involved more than 60 upgrades and improvements to the 21,000-ton landing platform helicopter (LPH), as well as a complete refurbishment of its flight deck, hangar, and aviation facilities. Many of Ocean 's communications and weapon systems were also replaced or refurbished.

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