Overview

In 2011, JFD was contracted by FMV, the Swedish Military Procurement Organisation, to deliver a comprehensive 12-year Lifetime Extension and capability upgrade of the URF (Ubåtsräddningsfarkost)—the Swedish Navy’s 55-tonne Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV). The project focused on modernising all systems while retaining and refurbishing the original pressure hull and outer fairing.

This upgrade ensures continued safety and rescue readiness for Swedish submariners, while enhancing operational performance and extending the URF’s service life into the next decade.

Challenge

The Swedish Navy required a significant capability and safety upgrade for the ageing URF, with minimal downtime. The large size and weight of the vehicle added logistical challenges, especially for transport and installation. The project demanded a full systems replacement, on a tight timeline, to restore the vessel to modern submarine rescue standards.

Solution

JFD undertook the full design, procurement, and refit of the URF at its UK facility in Scotland. Key elements included:

• Replacement of all internal systems, including propulsion, control, and navigation
• Retention and refurbishment of the original pressure hull and outer fairing
• Modernisation of the vehicle to align with current submarine rescue best practices
• Logistics management: Transported by road and sea from Sweden to the UK using a special truck
• Full refit executed in just six months, minimising out-of-service time

Value to Customer

• 12-year extension of the URF’s operational life
• Enhanced safety and operational readiness through modernised systems
• Completed on schedule with minimal downtime
• Retained core structure, reducing costs while delivering high-value upgrades
• Maintained compliance with Swedish Navy’s evolving rescue requirements