Royal Navy’s Oldest Commissioned Warship To Be Restored

BAE Systems is working in collaboration with the National Museum of the Royal Navy on a project to preserve HMS Victory, the world’s oldest commissioned warship, for future generations.

The work will see firm’s specialist engineers install a new structural support system for the ship, which is part of the most extensive restoration project of the 252-year-old warship following her repair after the Battle of Trafalgar.

Ian Mcneeney, Head of Commercial and Business Development at BAE Systems, said: “We are privileged to carry on our continued support work on HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar and one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions. The work conducted on HMS Victory, underlines our long term commitment to supporting the past, present and future fleet of the Royal Navy following the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth”.

Andrew Baines, Project Director at The National Museum of the Royal Navy, said: “HMS Victory is a unique museum object of international importance. This type of support is a first for any historic ship, and it’s essential we get it right.

The work to restore HMS Victory began in 2011, which included removing the masts and booms before work could begin to prevent water damage and reduce rot. The project has also seen the ship’s hull repainted and refurbishment of Admiral Lord Nelson’s Cabin and the Great Cabin.

A new walkway onto the ship provides visitors with easier access to parts of the ship that were previously unseen. The project has also seen the instalment of a new fire detection and suppression system.