In ‘82, the MV Contender Bezant was taken from Trade for conversion, via numerous steel plates, ISO containers and much plumbing, into a HELO carrier and A/C recovery ship. When she was retained for conversion to RFA ARGUS, shed loads of money were needed for fire fighting, damage control and general survivability add-ons to make her a safe and credible not quite a warship.
In a time long ago, a large part of Naval Storage Ground Bedenham was taken up with modules to convert an Atlantic Conveyor type container ship into an “instant” aircraft carrier. The greatest expense over the various flight deck sections was the significant fire fighting and flight deck Party survival facilities to make her safe and sensible for her purpose.
Converting an economically optimised sow’s ear into a safe and warlike silk purse is rarely cheap.
Last edited by GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU; 5th Nov 2013 at 10:05.
Reason: Crap Typing