According to information published by A&P Falmouth on February 8, 2022, RFA Cardigan Bay has completed a significant mid-life refit at A&P Falmouth and returned to deployment having departed.
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Bay-class landing ship dock RFA Cardigan Bay (Picture source: UK MoD)
The vessel underwent a substantial docking period at the start of the refit, which was carried out over 90 days and included painting, hull access, stern/side ramp removal, and significant work to the propulsion system. The remainder of the period was spent alongside A&P’s Falmouth facility.
RFA Cardigan Bay is a Bay-class landing ship dock of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). Built by BAE Systems, the ship was dedicated into the RFA at the end of 2006.
The Bay-class ships have a full load displacement of 16,160 tonnes (15,900 long tons). Each is 579.4 feet (176.6 m) long, with a beam of 86.6 feet (26.4 m), and a draught of 19 feet (5.8 m).
Propulsion power is provided by two Wärtsilä 8L26 generators, providing 6,000 horsepower (4.5 MW), and two Wärtsilä 12V26 generators, providing 9,000 horsepower (6.7 MW).
Maximum speed is 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph), and the Bay-class ships can achieve a range of 8,000 nautical miles (15,000 km; 9,200 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).
For self-defense, Cardigan Bay is armed with two 30 mm DS30B cannons, four Mk.44 miniguns, six 7.62mm L7 GPMGs, and two Phalanx CIWS. The standard ship's company consists of 60 officers and sailors.
