Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:03:55-2:05:23

When did purpose-built repair ships become common?

Purpose-built repair ships became chiefly a wartime solution because peacetime fleets could rely on large warships' workshops, depot ships, and cheaper shore facilities.

Defence SpendingDepot ShipsNaval BasesRepair ShipsWorld War II
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Question

When did navies begin relying on purpose-built repair ships, and why were they uncommon in peacetime?

Short answer

They became important mainly during the Second World War; in peacetime, onboard workshops, depot ships, and shore bases were usually cheaper substitutes.

Notes

Navies began building many true purpose-built repair ships during the Second World War. Cruisers and larger ships already carried extensive workshops, while destroyers and submarines normally drew support from depot ships. Land bases could provide any remaining facilities more cheaply during peacetime. A specialist hull therefore needed wartime distance, workload, and an identifiable enemy to justify its cost within the national budget.