HMS Prince of Wales: UK’s largest warship breaks down again
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has confirmed that the UK’s largest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, experienced a technical problem while docking at a port in Norway.
The £3.5 billion ship set sail from Loch Long, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, earlier this month. The purpose of its deployment in northern waters was to ensure security in the Atlantic and High North regions.
The Ministry of Defense said a “minor technical problem” was detected on the Royal Navy’s most powerful ship during its last stop in Stavanger, a port city in southwestern Norway.
The ministry added that the aircraft carrier is expected to sail in the coming days.
HMS Prince of Wales also broke down while en route to joint exercises with the US Navy in 2022.
An MoD spokesman said: “HMS Prince of Wales is currently undertaking a port visit to Stavanger as part of the Carrier Strike Group’s deployment to the North Atlantic and Arctic; we expect her to depart in the coming days.”
The Daily Mail quoted a senior Navy source as saying the latest malfunction was ‘devastating to morale’.
The ship, based mainly in Portsmouth, was accompanied by the Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and the tanker RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) Tidespring as it headed towards Northern waters.
Worked with NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force throughout the deployment.
Things to know about HMS Prince of Wales
HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth are the largest and most powerful ships ever built for the Royal Navy.
HMS Prince of Wales weighs 65,000 tonnes and has a top speed of over 25 knots per hour and a range of 10,000 nautical miles.
According to the Royal Navy, it can carry up to 72 aircraft, including a maximum of 36 F-35B fighter jets, and has an expected service life of up to 50 years.
The ship can operate with a crew of 678 people but can accommodate up to 1,600 people.
Commander Captain Ben Power said before departure: “HMS Prince of Wales is ready to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force as the nation’s flagship.
“I offer my thanks to our families who continue to show unwavering support as we deploy away from home waters for a time.”
Commander James Mitchell, commander of HMS Duncan, added: “As a Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan brings world-class air defense capability to the Carrier Strike Group and provides essential protection to HMS Prince of Wales and other high-value units.
“Training alongside our allies in the North Atlantic and the Upper North strengthens our ability to operate as an integrated and resilient force.”
