HMS Victory – Conservation

West Special Fasteners awarded historic contract.

West Special Fasteners has won a historic fastener contract for the conservation of HMS Victory in Portsmouth. The ship, which is the oldest commissioned warship in the world, is undergoing a major conservation project to preserve it for future generations. The contract is a testament to the quality of the products and services provided by West Special Fasteners.

West Special Fasteners have a long-standing reputation for excellence in the fastener industry and we are known for our innovative solutions and exceptional customer service. The conservation of HMS Victory is an important project that will ensure that this iconic ship remains a symbol of British naval history for years to come.

First commissioned in 1765, HMS Victory is best known as Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, but she also saw action in the American War of Independence

HMS Victory Stern (source www.nmrn.org.uk)

HMS Victory in dry dock No.2, taken in the early 2000’s (source www.nmrn.org.uk)

At the start of the works on HMS Victory, they found that she was in far worse condition than originally thought, with some of her timbers reduced to ‘potting compost’. The conservation work is now taking place, and just in the nick of time to stop further degradation of the iconic vessel. Now under a protective cover, the ship is drier than she had been in decades, meaning vital work can begin.

Picture taken on recent visit to Historic Dockyard by West Special Fasteners

West Special Fasteners will be working closely with the team at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to make sure that the best in bespoke fastener solutions are provided, in order to cater to the many different needs of the ship.

A truly unique project such as this will need unique solutions, and that is where we are proud to play our part. Working with the designers and shipwrights, West Special Fasteners will be adapting to requirements on an ‘on demand’ basis – something that we are uniquely equipped and able to do.

Once the work on the iconic ship is complete, she will be available to enjoy in all her glory for decades to come.

For more information on this historic project, please visit Victory Live: The Big Repair | National Museum of the Royal Navy (nmrn.org.uk)

HMS Victory is still open to visitors and we recommend you book tickets to go and see this amazing project, as well as all of the other historic ships at Buy tickets for the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard | National Museum of the Royal Navy (nmrn.org.uk)

If you have any questions about how West Special Fasteners can help with your fastener requirements, please email simon.gs@westspecialfasteners.co.uk