UK’s final Type 23 frigate returns to sea after major four-year upgrade

The Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland has returned to sea after nearly four years following a major overhaul in Devonport dockyard.

The ship is the final Type 23 frigate to receive the life extension upgrades from local defense company Babcock – allowing it to continue in service into the mid-2030s alongside its sisters.

HMS Sutherland sailed from Devonport to begin sea trials and training before rejoining the Royal Navy fleet. Prior to its return to sea, Babcock handed over the ship to the Royal Navy in a small ceremony on board before it continued down the River Tamar into Plymouth Sound.

The frigate underwent a full structural survey and a major upgrade, including more than 800 inserts and 11,500 weld repairs. Entire sections of the ship have been deconstructed and then rebuilt to allow engine, generator, and machinery control upgrades: forward and aft switchboards, new diesel generator and motor generator sets in the forward and upper auxiliary machinery rooms, as well as the installation of several miles of new pipework and cables.

The frigate, also called‘The Fighting Clan’ has also received an upgraded 2150 sonar system, requiring the removal of the sonar bow dome. The frigate is also the last ship in its class to receive the Sea Ceptor missile system, according to the Royal Navy.

“After a significant upkeep programme, it is fantastic to see HMS Sutherland starting sea trials and well on her way to achieving full capability before re-joining the fleet,” Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said.

HMS Sutherland is the thirteenth of the Type 23 frigates. The vessel was built on the Clyde by Yarrow Shipbuilders and launched in 1996. The vessel will serve on submarine hunting missions in the North Atlantic.

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