The Royal Navy’s ice patrol ship HMS Protector was seen being towed into Devonport Dockyard this afternoon by three Serco Group tugs, and been reported online that ‘investigations into a defect on the ship are now taking place’.
There is speculation and chatter online the vessel might be in Plymouth for preparation for its disposal by the MoD.
HMS Protector entered dry dock on Teesside in May 2025 for her five-yearly maintenance refit and left the dockside in August 2025, and Westward Shipping News webcams spotted the ice patrol vessel visiting Plymouth on the 12 December 2025 for sea trials ahead of deployment overseas.
The Protector was formally commissioned into the Royal Navy on the 23 June 2011, and on the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, marking a significant milestone in the Navy’s ice-breaking capability. HMS Protector is now over 25 years old and been a familiar visitor to Plymouth over the years.
