HMS Victory restoration to create engineering jobs

HMS Victory – Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar – is one of the most iconic vessels in British seafaring history. And now, the restoration of this historic ship is set to boost the South Coast economy through the creation of a number of engineering jobs.

10 year engineering project

The contract for the restoration of HMS Victory is being put out to tender next month, with engineers starting on the project before the end of 2011. It comes after a Ministry of Defence survey last year unearthed a significant number of problems including rot to the ship's timber and major structural damage.

"We're looking to undertake major restoration work which will span 10 years from late this year," a spokesman said. "This follows a survey that was the most thorough that has ever been done on board the ship. The work will be one of the biggest periods of restoration work the ship has undergone."

Engineering jobs to be created over the next decade

Jonathan Coad, chairman of the independent Victory Advisory Technical Committee, said: "These plans are certainly one of the biggest restoration projects. This should see the ship in good condition for years to come.

"It was the first survey of this magnitude to be done on Victory and now they are going to back that up with investment to put her right," he said. "HMS Victory is more than just a heritage attraction. She is a living ship and I'm very pleased this work is going to be done."

More details of the specific engineering jobs to be created will be revealed once the restoration contract has been awarded this summer.