Waterfront Project Programme and Alongside Services Team Mark Another Key Milestone on Removable Keel Support Project
A major milestone has been reached in the £7 million Removable Keel Support project, as an additional full‑scale trial of the system was successfully carried out beneath a Type 45 Destroyer in February 2026. This follows the project’s initial successful trial in a simulated environment in November 2025 and marks an important step toward transforming future docking and maintenance operations at Portsmouth Naval Base.
These specially engineered supports are placed beneath a ship during docking, and, crucially, can be temporarily removed individually. This flexibility allows for safer, easier access to the vessel’s underside, making maintenance more efficient and reducing the time ships spend in dock. Compared to traditional methods, this streamlines how naval vessels are maintained.
The latest trial offered our Docking Team invaluable practical experience, letting them deploy and operate the system in a real-life setting. Beyond operator familiarisation, the trial also played a crucial role in informing the selection of suitable mechanical handling equipment for future operations.
Alongside the milestones, progress has been made on the development of the concrete spacer design, which will serve as the foundation upon which the keel support system sits. This feature, now in its final design phase, is essential for overall stability and precise alignment during docking operations.
Looking Ahead to Future Dockings
This Summer, 40 removable keel supports constructed by Malin Group are set to arrive at Portsmouth Naval Base, ready for use during future dockings. Once full rolled out, the system will enable safe access to 100% of a vessel’s underside, enabling more comprehensive maintenance and inspection activities during future dockings.
