HDMS Justitia was a 72-gun ship of the line constructed for the Royal Dano-Norwegian Navy, designed by Henrik Gerner. Although launched in 1777, her commissioning was not completed until 1780. She measured approximately 1,758 tons and was built to serve as a formidable warship within the fleet. Throughout her active service, Justitia remained based in Copenhagen, serving in the home fleet and acting as the flagship for the admiral commanding the Danish squadron. The vessel's notable service included her presence during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807, although she did not participate directly in the engagement. During this battle, the majority of the Danish fleet, including Justitia, was surrendered to the British. Following the surrender, she was taken as a prize by the Royal Navy and arrived in Portsmouth on December 5, 1807. The British did not commission her into their service, and she was laid up at Portsmouth afterward. In 1809, there was an intention to rename her Orford, but this plan was ultimately cancelled. She remained in British custody until she was offered for sale and breaking up in July 1814 by the Navy authorities. Despite the offer, she was not sold at that time. Instead, in February 1817, the Royal Navy utilized her for experimental purposes, specifically testing Robert Seppings' diagonal braces. Following these experiments, she was broken up at Portsmouth in March 1817. Throughout her career, HDMS Justitia exemplified the typical ship of the line of her era, serving as a key element of Danish naval strength before her capture. Her post-capture history reflects the common fate of many ships of her size and era, transitioning from active service to experimental use before ultimately being dismantled.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.