Modernising legacy platforms: Maritime Support & Services’ role in enhancing naval capabilities

Type 23 Frigate And Astute Submarine

Modernising legacy platforms: Maritime Support & Services’ role in enhancing naval capabilities 

Kerry Parfitt, Head of Maritime Support & Services  

As the pace of technological advancement accelerates, naval forces face an ever-present challenge: how to modernise and maintain mission-critical systems while adapting to evolving operational requirements.  

This is where our Maritime Support & Services team comes in, offering flexibility, agility, and expertise to transform legacy equipment installed on naval platforms into modern, capable equipment fit for the current demands of maritime defence. 

Breathing new life into legacy platforms 

Adapting aging systems to contemporary standards demands ingenuity. For instance, we address obsolescence challenges by integrating advanced technologies, such as upgrading legacy decoy launchers to modern configurations. This seamless integration not only extends the service life of naval platforms but also ensures they remain aligned with the latest security and operational standards. 

At SEA, our expertise lies in creating tailored solutions that respect the unique requirements of each client. Whether for global navies with diverse operational environments or emerging maritime forces, our team’s experience ensures mission-critical systems remain robust and reliable. Our unique approach to obsolescence management, including proactive material assessments and strategic recommendations, is a clear demonstration of commitment to forward-looking maintenance and support. 

Bridging legacy and modern systems 

Our Maritime Support & Services team recently supported the refit of a Type 23 platform when it was brought in to repair the platform’s essential anti-submarine warfare capabilities and keep the frigate in service.  

Faced with tight timelines, the team sourced and tailored materials, repurposing items from other platforms, and overcoming logistical obstacles to execute critical maintenance. This allowed us to ensure that the Royal Navy’s platforms were operationally ready for the challenges that lay ahead.  

Expertise in action 

While responding quickly to naval requirements is essential, it’s the knowledge and understanding within our team that allows us to meet – and exceed – the requirements of our naval customers. 

SEA’s Maritime Support & Services team is a rich mix of military and civilian expertise. With a significant number of ex-service personnel, we fully understand the pressures and realities of naval operations. This firsthand knowledge, combined with a culture of collaboration and agility, ensures we can respond quickly to ad hoc requirements while maintaining the highest standards of service. 

Sustaining naval excellence 

For many navies, modernising legacy equipment installed on naval platforms, is crucial to ensuring they remain mission-ready for today’s challenges and able to stay in service. With technical expertise, innovative solutions, and deep operational understanding, our Maritime Support & Services team bridges the gap between old and new, empowering naval forces to maintain their edge in an evolving maritime landscape.