UK Maintains HMS Albion at £2M Annually After Decommissioning Amid Royal Navy Cuts
The UK Ministry of Defence incurs an annual cost of £2 million to maintain the decommissioned amphibious assault ship HMS Albion at HMNB Devonport. Defence Minister Luke Pollard stated this is necessary to ensure safety and support its sister ship, HMS Bulwark, which is being sold to the Brazilian Navy. Despite previous investments of £72.1 million in Bulwark's refitting, there are currently no plans for Albion's disposal. The Labour government argues that the maintenance costs reflect a savings compared to the prior Conservative administration's plans.
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The UK Ministry of Defence is spending approximately £2 million annually to maintain the decommissioned HMS Albion at HMNB Devonport. Defence Minister Luke Pollard emphasized that this cost is essential for safety to support HMS Bulwark, which was sold for £20 million in September 2025.
The Royal Navy has faced cuts, with Albion retained despite its decommissioning in November 2024. The Labour government claims maintaining Albion saves £7 million yearly compared to the Conservative government's potential costs if both ships remained in service. The Royal Navy's surface fleet has significantly declined, raising concerns about its operational capabilities.
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