ROSYTH DOCKYARD was yesterday celebrating its latest major refitting project after winning a £9 million contract to overhaul HMS Monmouth.

A team of 65 dockyard workers, employed by Babcock, will spend the next eight months upgrading the Type 23 frigate’s surface ship torpedo defence system and modifying its gear systems to give it increased power and speed.

The living quarters will also be upgraded and a new air conditioning system installed.

In addition, the fire detection system will be updated.

Commodore Graham Peach, the Ministry of Defence’s surface combatants team leader, said, “Part of the refit work will include modifications to the ship’s gear boxes so they can handle the maximum power output of the gas turbines.

“We think this will also give Monmouth a couple of knots extra speed.

“Overall, the work will equip Monmouth for many years more service.”

The contract is more good news for the dockyard’s workforce, who appear set to benefit from lucrative construction and refitting contracts for decades to come.

Last month, the Government confirmed its commitment to building the Royal Navy’s new generation of aircraft carriers, which would see Rosyth take on construction contracts totalling £800 million.

The two 65,000-tonne super-carriers, to be named Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales, are expected to supply Rosyth with refitting work for the next 50 years.

Babcock managing director for warships John Howie said, “As industry prepares for the build of the future aircraft carriers, it is essential that we retain the key skills that will be required in support of this challenging and exciting project.

“The award of the HMS Monmouth contract to Babcock Marine will help us achieve that aim.”

Defence Equipment and Support Minister Baroness Taylor said, “This is an excellent contract for Babcock Marine and will help secure many jobs in Rosyth.”

Type 23 frigates form the backbone of the navy’s anti-submarine frigate force.

They were the navy’s first stealth ships and cruise slowly and quietly while hunting submarines.