Specialist engineers from BAE Systems are working with the National Museum of the Royal Navy on a project to help preserve HMS Victory (the world’s oldest commissioned warship) for future generations.

The work will see engineers install a new structural support system for the ship, as part of the most extensive restoration of the 252-year-old warship since her repair after the Battle of Trafalgar.

Ian McNeeney, head of commercial and business development at BAE Systems (www.baesystems.com), said: “We are privileged to carry on our continued support work on HMS Victory — one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions.

“This underlines our long-term commitment to supporting the past, present and future fleet of the Royal Navy, following the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth.”

“Andrew Baines, project director at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, said: “HMS Victory is a unique museum object of international importance.

“This type of support structure is a first for any historic ship, and it’s essential that we get it right. The design of the new support system and its installation have been painstakingly developed over the past five years.

“The expertise we have gained — and will continue to gain in the delivery of this project — will not only safeguard Victory’s future but also help us to support other historic ships around the world.”