The separation provides a measure of redundancy, it increases the chances one propulsion system will remain operational in the event of action damage to the other.

QEC has duplicated main and secondary machinery in two complexes with independent uptakes and downtakes in each of the two islands. There are several advantages to this design but the most compelling reason for the twin islands is to space out the funnels, allowing greater separation between the engines below. In a moment of inspiration back in 2001, an RN officer serving with the Thales CVF design team developing initial concepts for what became the Queen Elizabeth Class, hit upon the idea of separate islands. Here we consider why she is the first aircraft carrier in the world to adopt this unique arrangement and the benefits it brings.

Many have wondered why HMS Queen Elizabeth has two ‘islands’.