Landing Ship Dock Auxiliary (LSD(A))

Defence Projects

RFA Lyme Bay

The Alternative Landing Ship Logistic (ALSL) project was set up in 1997, to replace RFA Sir Geraint and RFA Sir Percivale. These ships were initially planned to undergo a Ship Life Extension Programme, but this was abandoned in favour of new-build ships.

In the autumn 2002 the ALSL Bay Class Vessels adopted the new nomenclature of Landing Ship Dock Auxiliary, LSD(A). This change reflects the new number designation for the vessels "L3000" and meets NATO designation requirements for a vessel that has an integral dock.

The LSD(A)s are to transport troops, stores, equipment and vehicles world-wide and deploy them into battle. The ships are to be capable of offloading at sea, 'over the horizon'. They will operate with other ships of the amphibious task group, but will be manned and operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The LSD(A)s may operate autonomously as supply ships.

In addition to their war-fighting role, the LSD(A)s will be suited to disaster relief and other humanitarian missions. The LSD(A) requirement was endorsed by the Strategic Defence Review which committed to providing specialist amphibious shipping for the Joint Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF). The LSD(A) requirement was subsequently increased to four ships, to achieve better value for money.

The four ships will be named and built as follows:

RFA BAY CLASS	IN-SERVICE DATE	BUILDER
RFA Largs Bay (L3006)	2006	Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Ltd
RFA Lyme Bay (L3007)	2007	Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Ltd
RFA Mounts Bay (L3008)	2006	BAE Systems Marine, Govan
RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009)	2007	BAE Systems Marine, Govan

General characteristics / technical performance

The main characteristics of the LSD(A) are as follows:

RFA BAY CLASS Specifications
Length	176.6m
Beam	26.4m
Design Draft	5.1m
Displacement	16,160 tons full load
Speed	18 knots
Range	8,000nm at 15 knots
Complement	60 plus Augmentees/ Cadets/ Margin: 75.
Engines	Diesel electric propulsion with bow thrusters and azimuthing thrusters, Dynamic positioning system to be fitted
Military Lift	Space for vehicles equating to 36 Challenger Main Battle Tanks or 150 light trucks plus 200 tons ammunition, about 1150 Linear metres of vehicles, 356 troops, Carry 12 x 40 TEU or 24 x 20 TEU containers
Helicopters	Single spot flight deck with limited facilities to transport and operate Merlin and Chinook
Loading/Offload Capability	Fitted with a floodable dock sized to operate on LCU Mk 10, Carry and operate two LCVP Mk 5, Carry and operate two Mexeflotes, Wide, uncluttered assault routes to allow fully-kitted troops unhindered passage to points of offload, Two upper-deck 30 tonne cranes
Other Features	Military communications, Fitted to receive military weapons, NBCD citadel, World-wide operation, Commercial standards to be used where possible. Registered with MCA as Class 1 Passenger Ship and classed by Lloyd's Register

Costs / In-Service Date (ISD) / Major Milestones / Quantities

The last of the four Bay Class vessels was in-service by late 2007.

The budget for all four vessels is approx £320M.

Commercial Aspects

Four ships will be built, two by Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Ltd, and two by BAE Systems Govan, all to the Swan Hunter design. Swan Hunter provide lead yard services.

A design and build contract was signed with Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Ltd on 18 December 2000.

The BAE Systems build Contract was awarded on 19 November 2001.

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