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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/19/uks-newest-and-biggest-aircraft-carrier-springs-a-leak
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| UK's newest and biggest aircraft carrier springs a leak | UK's newest and biggest aircraft carrier springs a leak |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| After less than a month in service, the UK’s new £3.1bn aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is leaking as a result of a problem with a shaft seal. | After less than a month in service, the UK’s new £3.1bn aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is leaking as a result of a problem with a shaft seal. |
| At 280 metres (920ft) long and with an estimated 50-year working life, the carrier is the biggest and most powerful built by the UK. | At 280 metres (920ft) long and with an estimated 50-year working life, the carrier is the biggest and most powerful built by the UK. |
| Commissioned on 7 December, it is understood the vessel has been leaking for some time. | Commissioned on 7 December, it is understood the vessel has been leaking for some time. |
| A Royal Navy spokesman said: “An issue with a shaft seal has been identified during HMS Queen Elizabeth’s sea trials. This is scheduled for repair while she is alongside at Portsmouth. | A Royal Navy spokesman said: “An issue with a shaft seal has been identified during HMS Queen Elizabeth’s sea trials. This is scheduled for repair while she is alongside at Portsmouth. |
| “It does not prevent her from sailing again and her sea trials programme will not be affected.” | “It does not prevent her from sailing again and her sea trials programme will not be affected.” |
| The aircraft carrier weighs 65,000 tonnes and has a top speed in excess of 25 knots. | The aircraft carrier weighs 65,000 tonnes and has a top speed in excess of 25 knots. |
| A number of shipbuilding yards around Britain were involved in its construction, including Govan and Scotstoun in Glasgow, Appledore in Devon, Cammell Laird in Liverpool, A&P on the Tyne in Newcastle and Portsmouth. | |
| About 10,000 people worked on construction at the yards before the sections were transported to Rosyth, Fife, where the ship was assembled. |