How long would it take to convert the restored pre-dreadnoughts from coal to oil?
Short answerAbout a year is suggested, with secondary, cruiser, or overseas dockyards able to handle the work.
NotesConverting the restored ships from coal to oil is estimated to take about a year. Replacing coal bunkers with oil storage and changing the machinery would make this a substantial refit. Their relatively small size would let secondary or cruiser dockyards undertake the work while larger facilities continued supporting modern capital ships. Facilities in Canada, Australia, or India are suggested as further options. Once convoy demand allowed it, the ships could become bombardment monitors and reduce pressure to build new ones such as Roberts and Abercrombie.