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Britain customizing tankers to support Royal Navy ops

By Richard Tomkins
A Tide-class tanker. Image by BMT Defense Services.
A Tide-class tanker. Image by BMT Defense Services.

LONDON, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Four Tide-class fuel tankers are being customized for Britain's Royal Fleet Auxiliary to support Royal Navy operations around the world.

The work -- fitting the ships with state-of-the-art communications systems, ballistic protection, and upgrades to allow quick fit of defensive weapons -- will be performed by the A&P Group in the town of Falmouth.

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"The contract is significant for A&P Falmouth where the majority of the works will be undertaken utilizing the company's deep water facilities and heavy engineering infrastructure," said A&P Group Managing Director Andy Shaw.

The contract is worth about $22.6 million.

The announcement of the contract award decision was made by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, who was visiting the A&P facility as part of a tour to banner government plans for economic development.

"I'm delighted that A&P Group has been awarded this major new defense contract that will create new jobs here in Falmouth and give job security to many others here on the site and in Falmouth," he said.

The tanker customization will secure 350 jobs at the A&P site, create 16 additional jobs and serve as an "economic boost to the town and wider region," the Ministry of Defense said.

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