Navy’s £1bn destroyer ‘limping back to port’
ONE of the Royal Navy’s newest warships was yesterday limping home after suffering a breakdown in its propulsion system.
The £1billion HMS Diamond had to abandon a mission to keep the Gulf’s shipping lanes open. It is thought to be on its way back to Portsmouth for repairs.
Despite the crew’s efforts, the problem could not be resolved at sea, forcing the ship to return home.
It is the latest setback to the six-ship Daring Class fleet.
The other five are already in Portsmouth undergoing maintenance or training programmes.
The Type 45 destroyers, which started entering service eight years ago, have suffered engine problems because they struggle to cope with warm water.
They are all going to be fitted with new engines which will require holes to be cut into their hulls for access.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We can confirm HMS Diamond has experienced technical issues but we do not discuss the detailed material state of our operational ships and are unable to comment further.”
The problem suffered by HMS Diamond is not thought to have affected other Type 45s.
Losing HMS Diamond is a blow to the Royal Navy as it has only 19 frigates and destroyers. At any one time, one in three can expect to be undergoing refits or will be unavailable for service.
HMS Diamond’s return came as the head of the Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones, admitted that the Navy is having to rethink the way it will manage its commitments when its new aircraft carriers enter service.
He told the Royal United Services Institute military think-tank in London that some core duties will be taken over by small offshore patrol vessels.
“Of course, with a force of 19 frigates and destroyers, this will necessitate a change to how the Navy delivers some of its other commitments,” he said.