UK carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth completes first phase of planned maintenance

The UK Royal Navy's aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth,  is now midway through the planned upkeep programme. (UK MoD/Crown Copyright)

The UK Royal Navy's (RN's) flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has reached the midway mark of its first planned major maintenance period since commissioning.

The first phase, which started in November 2024, was carried out over nine months in Portsmouth and included major propulsion system upgrades in addition to a range of other engineering projects. Concurrently, the ship's crew conducted essential training to prepare for sea trials as well as development courses for sailors and officers.

After completing the first part of its upkeep period the carrier has embarked on a brief period of sea trials, beginning on 16 June, to test the newly installed navigation and propulsion control systems, the RN said. At the same time, Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) teams will test the crew's ability to deal with onboard emergencies, such as damage control, firefighting, and floods.

The carrier will then sail to Babcock's shipyard in Rosyth, Scotland, where it will complete a seven-month docking period. While dry-dock work is being carried out, some of Queen Elizabeth's crew will be hosted at HMS Caledonia, adjacent to Babcock's dockyard in Rosyth, and some will be accommodated back in Portsmouth.

For more information, please see HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Portsmouth naval base following repairs .