HMS Quorn receives £55 million restoration contract for NATO service

In July 2022, Harland & Wolff, a British shipbuilding company, was awarded a major contract worth £55 million to regenerate and restore the HMS Quorn, a vessel of the Royal Navy. The restoration and modernization project is aimed at accommodating the requirements of the Lithuanian Navy. As a part of this project, it is expected that around 100 jobs will be supported at the company’s Appledore site in the United Kingdom. The HMS Quorn, which previously served as a minehunter, is the last ship of the Hunt-class, a type known for its essential role in safeguarding naval operations against the threat of mines. The HMS Quorn, which had originally set sail from Portsmouth for the final time in April 2025, was one of the most reliably serving minehunters before it was decommissioned. The vessel saw various deployments, including participating in NATO exercises such as BALTOPS 2015 and Exercise Joint Warrior off the coast of Scotland. In World War II, minehunters like the Quorn played a crucial role in defending naval operations by detecting and neutralizing maritime mines, which had accounted for numerous naval casualties. Despite their lack of glamorous recognition compared to larger warships like aircraft carriers or destroyers, minehunters are vital components of naval fleets. They ensure maritime safety by locating and eliminating mines, which could potentially endanger naval ships and submarines. The signing of this contract signifies a renewed commitment to revitalizing the capabilities of minehunters in modern naval warfare, especially given the strategic importance of ensuring safe waterways in European regions. The regeneration of the HMS Quorn not only aims to enhance its capabilities but also reflects the ongoing collaboration between NATO allies to adapt and update their naval forces for contemporary threats. As the Quorn is restored, there will be significant investment in bolstering NATO's mine countermeasure capabilities, which remain critical as tensions in various parts of the world persist, leading to increased focus on maritime security.