A&P Birkenhead Ltd, part of the A&P Group, has been awarded the contract for the ‘pre-acceptance’ drydocking of BAE Systems’ newbuild HMS Bulwark (L15) prior to its delivery to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The vessel is due to arrive in Birkenhead during early June this year (2004). Whilst in drydock, work will include final removal of the hull launch ‘poppets’ and complete coating of its underwater hull, plus other work as required by BAE Systems. In order to achieve the high standards of paintwork required for the vessel, the hull is to be covered under a special containment system, which will provide protection from the weather and allows heating to be applied to suit the coating application should the climatic conditions not achieve specified requirements.