Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Royal Navy maintenance procedures and engineering protocols on the lifespan of HMS Protector as a commercial vessel.

HMS Protector is maintained through a cycle of planned maintenance, engineering assurance and mandatory surveys designed to meet maritime regulations and the tasking required. These arrangements support the short and long-term capability of the ship and are used to identify any age-related or obsolesce impacts that may affect operational availability and vessel sustainability. Continued investment, and analysis, in propulsion, auxiliary and safety-critical systems are necessary to maintain tasking.