The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that HMS Albion is being retained at Devonport to support preparations for the sale of HMS Bulwark to Brazil, while stating that no disposal plans have yet been confirmed for Albion itself.
Responding to a written parliamentary question from Conservative MP James Cartlidge, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said HMS Albion is currently moored at HMNB Devonport and is being kept in service to support the generation of HMS Bulwark ahead of its transfer.
Pollard stated: “HMS ALBION is currently moored at HMNB Devonport and is being retained to support the generation of HMS BULWARK prior to her sale to Brazil. No plans for HMS ALBION’s disposal have been confirmed.”
In a separate parliamentary answer, Pollard also disclosed that the annual maintenance cost for HMS Albion is around £2 million per year. He said this expenditure is required to ensure the ship remains safe while alongside at Devonport and remains compliant with environmental and safety legislation until disposal is complete.
He added: “The annual maintenance cost for HMS ALBION is circa £2 million per annum. This expenditure is to ensure that the ship remains safe whilst alongside HMNB Devonport on a tidal mooring. This ensures the ship remains compliant with environmental and safety legislation until disposal is complete.”
Both answers also included a statement that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark had been tied up under the previous government, with no intention to return them to sea before their out of service dates in the 2030s.
While the comment appears intended to provide context around the ships’ recent status, it remains unclear why this point was highlighted in response to questions focused on current disposal plans, given that the decisions on sale and retention now rest with the present government. This is not a judgement on the policy itself, but it does suggest ministers are seeking to frame the current position as a continuation of an existing trajectory.
“They started It, not us” lol.
Both tied up next to each other at Devonport right now. Albion looking tired and worn out, Bulwark freshly painted.