Babcock completed first maintenance period on HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Babcock has completed the first docking and maintenance period on the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth at its Rosyth site. The carrier underwent a planned hull survey and maintenance of her underwater systems over a six-week period at the company’s Rosyth site.

The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth docked at Babcock Rosyth shipyards (Picture Source: Babcock)

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

Sean Donaldson, Babcock’s Managing Director of Energy and Marine, stated: “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. Seeing the two carriers back on site together was quite a moment for our workforce, we have a real affinity with these vessels and this is a fantastic achievement for everyone who played a part in this important work.”

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