The need for repairs was first identified in February 2024, when routine checks revealed an issue with the coupling on the vessel’s starboard propeller shaft. Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Andrew Burns addressed the situation promptly, stating, “Routine pre-sailing checks yesterday identified an issue with a coupling on HMS Queen Elizabeth’s starboard propeller shaft. As such, the ship will not sail on Sunday. HMS Prince of Wales will take her place on NATO duties and will set sail for Exercise Steadfast Defender as soon as possible.”
Initially, the Royal Navy anticipated a brief repair period focused solely on the starboard driveshaft. However, as a precaution, it was decided to replace the port driveshaft as well, extending the ship’s downtime. The comprehensive maintenance work included a total of four months in dry dock at Rosyth Dockyard.
During this period, the ship’s crew remained active, engaging in extensive training sessions that encompassed boat drills and damage control exercises. This preparation was essential to maintain the crew’s readiness and operational capabilities.
After completing the necessary repairs, HMS Queen Elizabeth embarked on a series of rigorous sea trials to ensure all systems were functioning optimally. These trials tested the ship’s capabilities to their limits, including high-speed sailing, aggressive maneuvering, and various marine engineering tests.
HMS Queen Elizabeth, commissioned in December 2017, holds the distinction of being the largest warship ever built in Europe. The aircraft carrier’s return to Portsmouth signifies its readiness to rejoin the Royal Navy’s active fleet, a vital asset in Britain’s naval defense strategy.
The HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s second aircraft carrier, which was commissioned in December 2019, experienced a similar issue with its starboard propeller shaft line in August 2022. This recurrence of propeller shaft issues highlights the challenges faced by modern naval engineering.
