HMS Queen Elizabeth

DRVN Advanced Engineering used simulation methods to determine the correct transportation strategy for each of the blocks.  Finite Element models of the structures were created in which the mass centres and overall centre of gravity were crucial components. To simulate the movement of these blocks, their mass, inertia and structural properties were critical to understand.

As each block had to be lifted from the ground, the crane attachment points were evaluated for strength and durability in movement. Once off the ground it was important to ensure that the blocks remained stable during the lifting process, so a clear understanding and analysis of the lifting equipment was necessary to ensure a stable lift.

Each block was then manoeuvred from the shipyard onto a transport barge for delivery to Rosyth. The blocks were often turned to correctly load onto the transport vessel, so motions were evaluated for stability to ensure the blocks remained under the control of the lifting equipment and all unwanted momentums were cancelled out.

A specific challenge of this project was that each block featured a different shape and weight, and thus, possessed unique centre of gravity characteristics.  Each shipyard has its own constraints for loads and spaces, and each piece of lifting equipment had its own requirements which were all considered to ensure a safe and stable lift.

DRVN Advanced Engineering has significant capability at performing complex calculations such as these with a large number of variables and complex interactions to consider.  Prior to this project DRVN Advanced Engineering had not undertaken such lifting and turning calculations, but BAE Systems had engaged with DRVN Advanced Engineering on previous projects of a complex nature and were confident DRVN Advanced Engineering could adapt itself to the challenge.

The result of this work was that each block was successfully moved to the construction site with zero incidents in complete stability at the first attempt.  This outcome prompted the bestowment of a plethora of Chairmans Awards on DRVN Advanced Engineering in recognition of the innovation, precision and diligence shown in the project.

The 65,000 tonne, 284m long vessels would be jointly developed and constructed by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance.  The ship was divided into blocks to ease the manufacturing process, with construction of the 4,000 to 8,000 tonne blocks being shared between shipyards.  To expedite the manufacturing process, blocks were constructed in various locations then delivered to the assembly site in Rosyth, Scotland.

DRVN Advanced Engineering were contracted to derive the lifting and block manipulation methods to ensure the blocks were moved safely to the construction sites.  DRVN Advanced Engineering were presented several awards for their work in achieving this goal, including the Essential Weight Rose, MODs Rising Star Award, Innovation Award for Carrier Upper Block Novel Transportation Method and The Union of the Two Towers Award for Best Practice.