From her launch in 1939 until she finally moored up in the Thames in 1971, HMS Belfast a Town Class Light Cruiser led a varied and distinguished career. Initially seeing action in World War II she was severely damaged by a German mine, undertook escort duties in the Arctic Convoys, assisted in the sinking of the Scharnhorst and provided support for the Normandy landings on 6th June 1944. She was then refitted in Plymouth and sent to the Far East. She fought again during the Korean War in the early fifties.
HMS Belfast is now a branch of the Imperial War Museum and hosts over a quarter of a million visitors per year.
Asbestos was used extensively in the construction of vessels of this era, from providing thermal insulation on the steam plant and pipework to fireproofing and anti-condensation products.
Allium’s involvement revolves around the regular ongoing re-inspection of the hundreds of asbestos products on-board to ensure that the encapsulants used remain intact and that should any deterioration of the products occur remedial action can be taken to prevent the release of asbestos fibres.
We are extremely proud to be playing our small part in ensuring the continued life of the vessel for future generations to visit and experience life on a Royal Navy Cruiser.
