Bay-class

Summary

Description

The Bay class is a class of four dock landing ships commissioned by the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) in the 2000s, designed for amphibious warfare and logistical support. Originating from a need to replace the Round Table-class logistics ships, the Bay class design was based on the Dutch-Spanish Royal Schelde Enforcer design. Two ships each were ordered from Swan Hunter and BAE Systems Naval Ships, with contracts awarded in December 2000 and November 2001 respectively. The project, however, suffered from delays and overruns, with construction of the vessels starting in 2002. Due to issues at Swan Hunter's yard, BAE Systems later took over construction.

The design of the ships aligns with that of the Royal Schelde Enforcer, lacking only a helicopter hangar, but including a flight deck capable of handling heavy helicopters like the Chinook and V-22 Osprey. They were initially designated Auxiliary Landing Ship Logistics (ALSL) but were reclassified as Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) (LSD(A)) to better reflect their operational role. The ships have a full load displacement of over 16,000 tonnes and feature a vehicle deck, stern and side ramps for cargo, and a well dock that can carry landing craft. They were armed with a combination of Phalanx CIWS, manual 30 mm DS30B cannons, and small arms. The vessel can carry a crew of 60 to 70 personnel and can accommodate hundreds of troops.

Operational history of the Bay class has been diverse, including participation in amphibious exercises, humanitarian relief following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean, and training missions for the Iraqi Navy in the Persian Gulf. Mounts Bay and Largs Bay entered service in 2006, with Lyme Bay and Cardigan Bay following in 2007. In 2011, as part of a strategic review, Largs Bay was decommissioned and sold to the Royal Australian Navy, recommissioned as HMAS Choules.

Australia operates HMAS Choules with modifications and an increased permanent crew. HMAS Choules experienced issues with the propulsion system's transformers, leading to lengthy out-of-service periods for repairs and replacements. Cardigan Bay notably served in the Persian Gulf and supported British nationals during unrest in Yemen.

The other operating countries are primarily the United Kingdom and Australia, with the UK using the Bay class ships for various duties, including but not limited to logistics support, anti-narcotics patrols, and humanitarian aid. Australia utilizes HMAS Choules in a similar multifaceted role following its acquisition and refitting for tropical conditions.

Technical specifications