Could the Royal Navy soon bid farewell to its only amphibious assault ships? Interest from several potential buyers has sparked speculation about the future of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, but no final decision has been made, according to Defence Minister Maria Eagle.
The two vessels, once the backbone of the Royal Marines’ amphibious operations, were effectively mothballed before the government announced their decommissioning last November. The move, which costs taxpayers £9 million a year, has raised concerns over a capability gap in the UK’s naval forces.
“Delivering for Defence” or Selling Off Key Assets?
Speaking in the House of Commons, Maria Eagle confirmed that the Royal Navy is exploring a government-to-government sale for the ships.
“Several potential customers have shown interest, but no final decisions have been made,” she told MPs.
However, concerns are mounting over whether the sale is short-sighted. Conservative MP Rebecca Smith questioned whether the vessels are being sold for a fraction of their true value, given past investments in refits and maintenance. She also warned of the economic impact on Plymouth and Devonport dockyard, where the ships are based.
“How does the minister justify the economic impact of their sale on Plymouth and Devonport dockyard, let alone the reduction in amphibious capability in the Navy when the promised multi-role support ships are at least half a decade away from service?” she asked.
Eagle pushed back against criticism, insisting that the decision to decommission the ships was about modernisation, not cost-cutting.
“The disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting old capabilities to make way for the future,” she argued.
A Dangerous Gap in Amphibious Capability?
The biggest concern remains the gap in capability left by the loss of Albion and Bulwark. Their replacements, the highly anticipated multi-role support ships, are not expected to enter service until the early 2030s.
This means that for nearly a decade, the Royal Marines will have no dedicated assault ships, potentially leaving the UK without a crucial element of its naval strategy.
HMS Albion, often referred to as the “Swiss Army knife” of the Royal Navy, is designed for flexibility, capable of transporting trucks, emergency supplies, and watercraft for military and humanitarian operations alike.
Meanwhile, HMS Bulwark plays a vital role in landing troops, vehicles, and equipment ashore, carrying a crew of 325 plus an additional 405 troops.
Despite their versatility, Defence Secretary John Healey defended the decision, arguing that they were effectively retired long ago.
“For too long our soldiers, sailors, and aviators have been stuck with old, outdated equipment because ministers wouldn’t make the difficult decommissioning decisions.”
What Comes Next?
With global interest growing, the fate of Albion and Bulwark now hangs in the balance. If they are sold, which country will claim them? And will the Royal Navy regret letting go of its only amphibious assault ships before replacements are ready?
For now, the Navy waits, but time is running out.
