THE largest section of the second Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier arrived at Rosyth Dockyard on Friday following its voyage from Glasgow.

Lower Block 04 is the largest hull section of HMS Prince of Wales, the second of two new carriers being constructed by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, and contains the hangar, machinery space, mission systems compartments and accommodation.

HMS Prince of Wales delivery director, Angus Holt, said, “There’s a real sense of excitement here in Rosyth and across the Aircraft Carrier Alliance today. This is the largest section of HMS Prince of Wales and her arrival in Rosyth marks an exciting and significant phase in the programme when we will really see the immense scale of the second aircraft carrier.

“The massive hull section was an impressive sight as it sailed under the Forth bridges and I hope as many people as possible managed to catch a glimpse as it made its voyage from Glasgow, where it was constructed, to Rosyth, where it will be assembled. Now it has arrived, the hard work continues as we begin the massive task of joining it to the sections already in place.” The 11,200-tonne section of hull was transported by a sea-going barge and travelled around the north coast to reach the assembly site, a journey of more than 600 miles over five days.

The block is not only the largest section of HMS Prince of Wales, it is also the largest section of carrier to be transported on the project to date due to the more advanced level of outfitting with which it has been delivered. On her arrival, the block is floated off the specialist barge and moved into position in dry dock, ready to join the other sections already in place. Once in place, the dock will be drained and the blocks already in place will be skidded aft towards Lower Block 04. Work to integrate the sections will then begin.

The aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are being delivered by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a partnering relationship between BAE Systems, Thales UK, Babcock and the Ministry of Defence.