HMS Victory

How our products are helping to restore the oldest commissioned warship in the world.

HMS Victory Restoration project based at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

West Special Fasteners won a historic fastener contract for the restoration of HMS Victory in Portsmouth, following a lengthy tender process in which we were successful. The ship, which is the oldest commissioned warship in the world, is undergoing a major restoration project to preserve it for future generations. The contract is a testament to the quality of the products and services provided by our company.

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 restoration 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.

Background:

HMS Victory is best known as Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson's flagship, but she was first commissioned to fight in the American War of Independence in 1778. Her most famous deployment of course was at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, during which she played a major part in defeating the combined Spanish and French fleet.

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 restoration 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.

A Historical Restoration

West Special Fasteners will be working closely with the team at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard over the next ten years 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 lot of the fasteners are non-standard, due to the construction methods of the past, and this is where our decades of experience and expertise really stand out. 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.