Given the manpower situation and the constant drive for harmony I can see ships staying away for longer and an enhancement of Topshaft with everyone rotating around.
I am sure the commercial yards around the third world could do a cheaper refit and/or repairs than DML, Babcock, etc. This was done recently with RFA Diligence.
How long before the first DD/FF does a docking in Singapore?
How long before the DD/FF world work the crew rotation that the hydrographic boats (SCOTT, ECHO, etc) do at the moment? Anybody got any strong feelings on this?
I would go a bundle on working the RFA routine, I believe they work about 3 months on the 17 days off, then if you are out of the UK for 6 months or more you get the whole years earnings tax free. Don't think Gordon Brown would support it!