The UK’s largest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, has experienced a technical issue while docked at a port in Norway, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.
The £3.5 billion vessel had set sail earlier this month from Loch Long, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Its deployment to Nordic waters was intended to provide security across the Atlantic and High North regions.
“A minor technical issue” was identified on the Royal Navy’s most powerful vessel during its latest stop in Stavanger, a port city in south-western Norway, the MoD said.
The aircraft carrier is expected to sail in the coming days, the ministry added.
HMS Prince of Wales also broke down in 2022 while travelling to joint exercises with the US Navy.
An MoD spokesperson said: “HMS Prince of Wales is currently conducting a port visit to Stavanger as part of the Carrier Strike Group’s deployment across the North Atlantic and Arctic, we expect her to set sail in the coming days.”
The Daily Mail quoted a senior Navy source as saying the latest breakdown was ‘devastating for morale’.
The ship, which is generally based in Portsmouth, was joined by Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and tanker RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) Tidespring on its way to Nordic waters.
It has worked with Nato and the Joint Expeditionary Force throughout the deployment.
What to know about HMS Prince of Wales
HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth are the largest and most powerful vessels ever constructed for the Royal Navy.
HMS Prince of Wales weighs 65,000 tonnes, and has a top speed in excess of 25 knots per hour and a range of 10,000 nautical miles.
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, according to the Royal Navy.
The ship can operate on a crew of 678, but can accommodate up to 1,600 people.
Commanding officer Captain Ben Power said before it set sail: “HMS Prince of Wales stands ready as the nation’s flagship to demonstrate the United Kingdom’s commitment to Nato and the Joint Expeditionary Force.
“My thanks go to our families who continue to show unwavering support as we deploy for a period away from home waters.”
Commander James Mitchell, commanding officer of the HMS Duncan, added: “As a Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan brings world-class air defence capability to the Carrier Strike Group, providing essential protection to HMS Prince of Wales and other high-value units.
“Training alongside our allies in the North Atlantic and High North strengthens our ability to operate as an integrated and resilient force.”
