Maintenance on HMS Queen Elizabeth complete

A 100-strong team undertook the work required during the aircraft carrier’s docking period. This included replacing 284 hull valves and renewing all cathodic protection electrodes and anodes, as well as painting the hull and carrying out work on the stabilisers, rudders and shaft lines.

Sean Donaldson, Babcock’s managing director of energy and marine, and the Rosyth site, said: “Working closely alongside the Royal Navy, we understand the importance of ensuring that HMS Queen Elizabeth remains in optimum condition and are delighted to have undertaken the first ever docking and maintenance period here in Rosyth.”

Capable facility

As the assembly site for the UK carrier programme, the Rosyth facility has had significant investment over recent years to enable it to efficiently support HMS Queen Elizabeth and the second QE Class aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales.

After the planned six-week work package was successfully delivered, HMS Queen Elizabeth departed Rosyth smoothly through the specially designed roller-fender system at high tide into the River Forth.

Due to enter the Naval service in 2020 after extensive whole ship trials, HMS Queen Elizabeth has a four-acre flight deck and two propellers weighing 33t each. She is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft, as well as weaponry and communications systems.

By Rebecca Jeffrey