HMS Queen Elizabeth sails under Forth Bridge as Royal Navy carrier gears up for post-maintenance trials
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
She is finally back at sea after several months on the side-lines
A Royal Navy aircraft carrier has passed under the Forth Bridge as it set sail for sea trials.
HMS Queen Elizabeth left the Rosyth dockyard in Fife on Sunday (April 19) after an extended maintenance period. It has been at anchor in the Firth of Forth since then, before leaving under the bridge for trials on Thursday (April 23).
Eye-catching pictures show her sailing under the bridge. Residents watched on as the 65,000 tonne warship as she sailed out to sea on a long awaited return. Personnel were pictured on the flight deck carrying out their duties.
Temporary air restrictions have been in force throughout this week, intended to support operational security during the carrier’s movements. A total of seven tugs were needed to ease the 932ft long warship out of the dry dock.
A social media statement from Babcock International previously said: “An awe‑inspiring sight at Rosyth – engineering excellence supporting a vital national asset. HMS Queen Elizabeth departs, with sea trials next. A proud milestone delivered by our team.”
Following a visit earlier this year, one of the ship’s former Commanding Officers, Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse, said: “As a former CO, great to be back with HMS Queen Elizabeth and see the fantastic progress they’ve made as they prepare to return to sea. Brilliant sailors doing brilliant things.”
The Queen Elizabeth-class carrier left Portsmouth on July 16, 2025, bound for Scotland while carrying out sea trials en-route. She had her propulsion systems upgraded beforehand, but mechanical problems were found while alongside HMNB Portsmouth during routine machinery trials.
She has been at the Rosyth dry dock, where she was originally built, since September last year. Her planned seven month docking period had to be slightly extended for the work to be finalised.
Like most of the Royal Navy fleet, HMS Queen Elizabeth is subject to the Lloyd’s Rules regulatory framework, where the ship needs to be inspected in the dry dock every six years. Navy Lookout reports that this involves a full survey of the hull, rudders, and propellers. Hull valves and sea chests need to be checked and repaired if there are any signs of corrosion.
Her return coincides with her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, scheduled return to sea on April 24 for sea trials.