The Royal Navy's larger vessels will now be able to berth quayside at the UK Naval Support Facility (NSF) in Bahrain following the completion of a new deep-draught jetty at the base.
Shallower draught ships such as Hunt and Sandown-class minehunters have been using the quayside at the facility since it opened two years ago, allowing them much easier access to engineering support and fresh supplies.
However, prior to the refurbishment, larger vessels such as the Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers have either used the NSF's Flour Jetty or the slightly more distant Finger Jetty as personnel were not sure their own quay could handle them safely.
Beyond affording easier access for frigates and destroyers to the maintenance and support facilities at the NSF, the new jetty also ensures vessel crews only have to walk a short distance in hot Gulf temperatures to the welfare facilities (i.e. galley, coffee shop, gym, shop, bar and TV/games room) in the establishment.
The new jetty recently accommodated its first "large" ship, the Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll (pictured).