How Much Was HMS Hermes Sold For?

The sale of HMS Hermes, a former aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy, has been a topic of discussion for many years. The ship served the Royal Navy for over 30 years before being decommissioned in 1984.

Since then, it has changed hands several times and undergone significant transformations. So, how much was HMS Hermes sold for? Let’s take a closer look.

The History of HMS Hermes

HMS Hermes was originally commissioned in 1959 as the Royal Navy’s first purpose-built aircraft carrier. She played a crucial role in various conflicts and operations throughout her service life, including the Falklands War in 1982.

After her decommissioning in 1984, she was sold to India and renamed INS Viraat. The ship underwent extensive refurbishment and modernization before being brought back into active service with the Indian Navy.

In 2017, after more than three decades of service with the Indian Navy, INS Viraat was decommissioned and put up for sale. It was then that speculation began about how much the ship would fetch on the open market.

The Sale of HMS Hermes

In July 2020, it was announced that HMS Hermes had been sold for scrap to a shipbreaking company based in Gujarat, India. The sale price was reported to be around $3 million USD (approximately £2.3 million GBP).

While this may seem like a small sum compared to the cost of building or refurbishing an aircraft carrier from scratch, it’s important to remember that HMS Hermes/INS Viraat had already undergone extensive modernization work during her time with the Indian Navy. Additionally, the cost of scrapping such a large vessel can be significant due to environmental regulations and safety concerns.

The Legacy of HMS Hermes

Despite being sold for scrap, HMS Hermes/INS Viraat will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who served onboard her. She was a symbol of British naval power and played a crucial role in many significant events throughout her service life.

Furthermore, the legacy of HMS Hermes lives on through her sister ship, HMS Invincible, which is now a museum ship in Portsmouth, UK. Visitors to the museum can explore the ship and learn about her history and significance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HMS Hermes was sold for around $3 million USD to a shipbreaking company in Gujarat, India. While this may seem like a small sum compared to the cost of building or refurbishing an aircraft carrier from scratch, it’s important to consider the extensive modernization work that had already been carried out on the ship during her time with the Indian Navy. Regardless of her sale price, HMS Hermes will always be remembered as an important part of British naval history.