Royal Navy Ice Patrol Ship HMS Protector Towed to Port After Technical Problem at Sea

Credit: Royal Navy

HMS Protector, the Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship, was towed back to Devonport on October 13 after a technical problem at sea. According to Maritime Executive, the Navy has started an investigation, but it has not yet said what caused the problem. It reports that both engines had defects.

The ship was built in Norway in 2001 under the name Polarbjorn. The Royal Navy first used it on a short-term charter in 2011, and Britain bought it in 2013. The vessel carries out sea surveys and fishery inspections. It also helps the UK keep a presence in Arctic and Antarctic waters. The ship underwent a major overhaul in 2025.

This is not the first time HMS Protector has had technical trouble. In 2019, propulsion problems kept the ship out of service for 10 months. It missed the 2020–2021 polar season and returned to operations in 2021.

The UK government has confirmed plans to replace the ship with a newer vessel. However, it has not shared a timeline or details about how the new ship will be bought. If HMS Protector cannot return to service, the Royal Navy may need a temporary solution to keep its ice patrol work going.

Global News

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