A&P Falmouth has successfully completed the conversion of RFA Sir Tristram, ahead of schedule and within budget. The former Falklands landing ship will now take on her new role as a static training ship for the Royal Marines based in Portland.

A&P won the significant project, worth over £1.75 million, beating stiff competition from other ship repairers across the UK.

The project has employed some 80 staff and the conversion has successfully been completed a week ahead of schedule.

Sir Tristram arrived in Falmouth in early May, having been laid up in Portsmouth since early 2006. She will now be used as a static training vessel for the Royal Marines and the UK's Special Services in Portland.

The four-month conversion has included the installation of training aids, removing any redundant equipment and installing monitoring systems on board for the safety of the trainees.

Alan L'Enfant, ship superintendent on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, said: "The conversion of Sir Tristram at A&P Falmouth has been a hugely successful project.

The vessel is scheduled to be leaving the yard next week and will go on to serve as a highly capable training platform for many years to come."

Peter Child, A&P Falmouth managing director, said: "The team at Falmouth are delighted with this contract and the excellent working relationship with all the stakeholders throughout."

The vessel will replace the current training vessel Rame Head, who will now be placed on the disposal list.