Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • HMS Prince of Wales sailors take over carrier's control centre

Defence

HMS Prince of Wales sailors take over carrier's control centre

The heart of HMS Prince of Wales is now in the hands of the men and women who will watch over it as the second of the UK’s new carriers takes a big step towards completion.


Courtesy Royal Navy

The Ship’s Control Centre has been formally handed over to the crew to maintain and run by engineers and technicians from the Aircraft Carrier Alliance who’ve built and fitted out the ship.

They gave the ship’s company the keys to the compartment 18 months ahead of when the ship is formally handed over to the Royal Navy.

Advertisement
Amentum permanent rectangle

“If the bridge of a ship is considered its eyes, and the operations room its brain, there is no doubt that the Ship’s Control Centre is the beating heart,” said Cdr Pete Buckenham, Commander Marine Engineering.

All the carrier’s machinery – from propulsion to sewage and water works – are controlled from the SCC, with a team of engineers watching over the displays and read-outs 24 hours a day, every day, until the warship decommissions in 50 years’ time.

Also, in time of war, the SCC becomes the headquarters for the ‘internal battle’ – it’s where all information from around the ship about damage sustained – fires, floods, breakdowns and casualties – are reported and the damage control officer determines where to send repair teams, firefighters and first aid parties with the goal of keeping the ship in the fight.

“Compartments are normally handed over after sea trials, so to achieve this at such an early stage, to the high quality and specification required by the Royal Navy, is a very significant milestone for the team,” explained Sterry Matthews, ACA production manager.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Cdr Buckenham added: “Taking ownership of the SCC this early in the build programme is a significant achievement and testament to the collaborative and integrated approach between industry and the Royal Navy.

“Having the ability to operate from the SCC enables us to support industry through commissioning and trials activity and to learn our ship, systems and equipment in preparation for sea trials and future operations."

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Marshall and Dowty strengthen C-130J prop partnership

Defence

Marshall and Dowty strengthen C-130J prop partnership

14 October 2025

Marshall Aerospace and Dowty have concluded a new agreement aiming to provide more effective and streamlined support for global operators of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

Royal Navy

Defence

Royal Navy's newest sub submerges for first time

14 October 2025

The UK's newest nuclear submarine has successfully submerged for the first time at BAE Systems in Barrow, Cumbria.

ADS calls on Holyrood to support aerospace, defence, security and space

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS calls on Holyrood to support aerospace, defence, security and space

13 October 2025

ADS - the UK trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space - has launched its Manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections, outlining a series of recommendations for the next five years.

DE&S awards Serco Typhoon engines overhaul contract

Defence

DE&S awards Serco Typhoon engines overhaul contract

13 October 2025

Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon aircraft will continue to receive mission-essential EJ200 engine support following a new five-year maintenance contract awarded to Serco by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Rolls-Royce Submarines signs digital engineering MoU with Siemens

Defence Events

Rolls-Royce Submarines signs digital engineering MoU with Siemens

10 October 2025

Rolls-Royce Submarines and Siemens, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on digital optimisation and boost efficiency across engineering.

BAE Systems and PragoData to provide Czech defence sector IPS

Defence

BAE Systems and PragoData to provide Czech defence sector IPS

10 October 2025

BAE Systems and PragoData, a Czech systems integrator and consulting company, have announced they will work together with a view to providing Integrated Product Support (IPS) capabilities to the Czech defence sector.

Advertisement
ODU RT