Article Posted on : - Feb 21, 2012

The first carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

PORTSMOUTH, UK (BNS): Construction work has started on HMS Prince of Wales, the second Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier.

Work on the forward section of the hull, known as Lower Block 02, commenced Thursday.

Commander-in -Chief Fleet Admiral George Zambellas cut the first steel in a ceremony at the company's production facility at Portsmouth Naval Base.

The huge section, which will weigh around 6,000 tonnes upon completion, will house the ship's machinery spaces, stores and switchboards, as well as some of the accommodation, including 85 cabins.

BAE Systems is working in partnership with Babcock, Thales UK and the Ministry of Defence to deliver the biggest and most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK.

The company has an overarching role in managing the QE Class programme, as well as playing a central role in the design and build of the ships.

Meanwhile work continues on Lower Block 02 and the stern section (known as Lower Block 05) of the first carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Both sections are in the advanced stages of outfit, with the team focusing on preparing the blocks for their transit to Rosyth later this year, where all of the units and sections of the carriers will come together to be assembled in the dry dock.

Each 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier will provide the armed forces with a four acre military operating base which can be deployed worldwide.