A £3billion Royal Navy warship is reportedly "being stripped for parts" after it suffered a major mechanical problem last year. HMS Prince of Wales had set out for a visit to the USA in August when a problem with one of its propellers meant it had to return to port having only got as far as the coast of the Isle of Wight.
The incident happened just 24 hours into the voyage. It has also been reported that the other propeller will also need replacing due to the same issues.
Now, according to the Daily Telegraph, parts from HMS Prince of Wales are being stripped and used on sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth while in dry dock in Scotland. The national newspaper reports that items such as oil and fuel filters have been switched between the vessels.
It also said that flight desk lifts, which are used to carry fighter jets from the ships' hangars onto the deck, were removed. The Telegraph said it was seen as a immediate solution as it was deemed too expensive to order a new one straight away.
The switching of parts between the ships - known as 'equipment cannibalisation' has saved time and money, a Royal Navy source told the Telegraph. It reported that the cost of repairs to HMS Prince of Wales is set to be in the area of £25million. The Royal Navy said that switching equipment between the ships is normal and it would not affect plans to get HMS Prince of Wales into service.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We remain committed to ensuring HMS Prince of Wales commences her operational programme as planned, in autumn 2023, including operational flying training and trials. It is not unusual for equipment to be transferred between ships of the same class to ensure operational availability and avoid delays. We do not provide a running commentary on the specific details of ships undergoing repair or maintenance.”
