[BITList] HMS FORTH

[michael J Feltham]

NAVY NEWS

Second clyde-built Navy vessel found with 'glued bolts' as repairs continue on HMS Forth

Exclusive by By Angela Haggerty and Andrew Whitaker

A FLAW affecting life raft fastenings onboard the brand new Scots-built HMS Forth, which prompted an investigation by manufacturer BAE Systems, has been found on more than one vessel, the Sunday Herald can reveal. The problem was one of more than 100 defects discovered on the vessel after it formally entered service last month. HMS Forth, which was built on the Clyde, is one of five offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) being built by BAE systems for the Navy. The OPVs will carry out anti-piracy duties and border patrols. However, following the discovery of the defects, the vessel was put into ‘power down’ mode at its new base in Portsmouth and began operating with a reduced crew while repairs were carried out. Among the problems, which included faults with the electrical system, bolt fastenings on the structures between the vessel and its life rafts were found to have been glued on – a flaw thought to be highly unusual. HMS Forth remains out of service while repairs are ongoing.Now, BAE Systems has admitted that inspections on another River Class OPV have identified the same problem “As a precaution, we completed an inspection across the first three River Class OPVs to ensure continued adherence to the high standards we expect and our customers deserve,” a BAE spokesman said. “This identified one further instance of a glued bolt head, which was fixed immediately.” When asked to respond to sources familiar with the matter indicating that a supervisor had taken responsibility for the bolt head issue, the spokesman added: “We do not comment on individual cases. An investigation is underway to establish the root cause of the incident and we will implement action as appropriate on conclusion.” The development will come as a further blow for BAE Systems, which the Sunday Herald revealed last month had expressed concern to staff about reputational damage following the standard of recent work. Source: heraldscotland 
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