The Royal Navy's largest warship yesterday morning sailed into the Grand Harbour for a three-day stopover, in what is probably her last visit to Malta before being decommissioned in March next year after 20 years of service.

The large hanger can accommodate up to 12 helicopters.

HMS Ocean, an amphibious helicopter carrier, is heading back to its UK base in Plymouth following a six-month deployment in the Gulf region and the Suez Canal.

The ship proved a considerable success and has been much in demand for active operations and disaster relief, most recently in 2011 for Operation Ellamy, the UK’s contribution to the Nato mission to protect Libyan civilians.

Having a displacement of 22,000 tonnes, the landing platform helicopter ship has a complement of 393, but can accommodate up to 1,100 people with enough provisions for 55 days.

In terms of her military capabilities, it can carry up to six Merlin Mk3 helicopters and six Wildcat helicopters, or a different configuration comprising three Chinooks and six Apaches. As for the amphibious capabilities, HMS Ocean is equipped with four landing craft and vehicle personnel (LVCP) capable of carrying up to 35 people.

Sailing into Grand Harbour is a unique experience, though the inclement weather-posed challenges

Addressing the media during a short tour, Commander Nick Wood could not hide his enthusiasm for the stopover in Malta, while remarking on the historic ties between the two countries.

“Sailing into the Grand Harbour is quite a unique experience, though I have to admit the inclement weather – especially the strong side wind – posed some challenges to be able to steer through the port,” he remarked.

While her hull shares aspects of the Invincible class aircraft carrier, internally the ship is very different and includes accommodation for more than 500 Royal Marine Commandos with personal equipment, plus a large hangar which can accommodate up to 12 helicopters.

There is plenty of room for exercise on the UK’s largest warship.

HMS Ocean is designed to operate away from land using her aircraft to move troops to their targets ashore and supply them during operations.

Away from the action, the ship is equipped with a fully-fledged medical centre complete with operating theatres, and a fitness centre.

Commissioned in September 1998, it was originally meant to remain in service for 10 years, but her lifetime was extended by a further decade. HMS Ocean will be decommissioned on March 31 of next year. However, her days could be far from over as one of the options being considered is for her be sold to another country. In that case, the ship would be given a further lease of life under a different flag.