UK Royal Navy Flagship Calls to Belfast Harbour as First Aircraft Carrier in Over 60 Years

8th October 2026

Jehan Ashmore

Belfast Harbour is where the UK’s Royal Navy flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, the navy’s largest ever ship, made its maiden arrival. The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier is also the first such ship type to call in more than six decades ago and will remain until Monday. The modular block-built process vessel, likewise of the new FSS ships (see below) to serve the navy, will be assembled at Harland & Wolff, Navantia UK’s largest shipyard. Credit: Royal Navy

Belfast Harbour has welcomed one of the UK’s largest and most powerful ships ever constructed for the Royal Navy.

The 65,000-tonne flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is the lead ship of the QE Class (HMS Prince of Wales), which is capable of carrying up to 40 fighter jets, and arrived on a scheduled call yesterday.

As ITV News writes, this is the first time ever that an aircraft carrier has visited the city since 1965.

Commenting ahead of its maiden call, Belfast Harbour on social media wrote, "The Royal Navy aircraft carrier will arrive in Belfast as part of a scheduled visit, so keep an eye out for her in Belfast Lough from sunrise as this impressive vessel makes its approach."

"We also look forward to welcoming the crew during their stay in the city."

HMS Queen Elizabeth has a crew of 700, but it increases to 1,600 when aircraft personnel are onboard. It assumed the role of NATO’s command ship for the Allied Response Force back in July.

The flagship is currently conducting calls around the UK and Northern Europe to enable planned training operations.

Afloat highlights that Harland & Wolff, part of the Navantia UK network of shipyards, is where three Fleet Solid Support (FSS)’ replenishment vessels for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) will be finally assembled at Belfast. The trio will support global operations, including the QE-class aircraft carriers' Task Force.

For further coverage, click here.

Published in Belfast Lough, Naval Visits

Published in Belfast Lough

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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