HMS Monmouth Auction: Turkish Shipyards Leading Offers
A Royal Navy Type 23 frigate, HMS Monmouth, has entered a formal auction process with offers coming from Turkey-based shipbreaking and recycling companies. Decommissioned in 2021 for being “uneconomical to repair,” the vessel was listed for sale by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) alongside other retired Royal Navy ships, including HMS Walney, HMS Bristol, and HMS Montrose.According to defense reporter Freddie Webb’s article dated January 28, 2025, only two bids were made for HMS Monmouth, both submitted by Turkish ship recycling firms: Leyal Gemi Sokum Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti. and Sök Denizcilik ve Tic. Ltd. Sti. On their official websites, both companies emphasize their core operations revolve around dismantling and recycling decommissioned vessels, generating scrap metal and other reusable materials.
A Royal Navy Type 23 frigate, HMS Monmouth, has entered a formal auction process with offers coming from Turkey-based shipbreaking and recycling companies. Decommissioned in 2021 for being “uneconomical to repair,” the vessel was listed for sale by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) alongside other retired Royal Navy ships, including HMS Walney, HMS Bristol, and HMS Montrose.According to defense reporter Freddie Webb’s article dated January 28, 2025, only two bids were made for HMS Monmouth, both submitted by Turkish ship recycling firms: Leyal Gemi Sokum Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti. and Sök Denizcilik ve Tic. Ltd. Sti. On their official websites, both companies emphasize their core operations revolve around dismantling and recycling decommissioned vessels, generating scrap metal and other reusable materials.
“Beyond Economical Repair”
A Royal Navy spokesperson explained that both HMS Monmouth and HMS Walney had reached the end of their intended lifespans, with any effort to keep them in service requiring extensive, time-consuming, and costly refits. As a result, the MoD opted to sell these ships rather than bear the financial burden of maintenance and upgrades, while also ensuring that dismantling procedures adhere to legal and environmental standards.Currently moored near Portsmouth, HMS Monmouth awaits the outcome of the tender process. The British authorities have not yet announced when the final result will be disclosed. However, given the two Turkish bids, it appears highly likely the ship will end up being scrapped and recycled in Turkey once the legal procedures are finalized.Other Vessels in the Tender
- HMS Walney (Sandown-class minehunter): Another vessel included in this tender, Walney has also been retired by the Royal Navy for similar cost and lifespan reasons. There are no plans to refit or return her to service.
- HMS Bristol (Type 82 destroyer): This vessel served as a training ship for many years. It reportedly attracted bids from the same two Turkish firms interested in HMS Monmouth.
- HMS Montrose (Type 23 frigate): While Montrose was also listed in the tender, Freddie Webb’s report indicates it received no bids or expressions of interest.
Turkey’s Shipbreaking Industry
Turkey plays a key role in global ship dismantling and recycling, especially in the Aliağa region near İzmir. Many companies in this area purchase decommissioned vessels from around the world, salvaging steel and other materials that can be reused in new industries. Both Leyal Gemi Sokum and Sök Denizcilik have previously handled the breakdown of large-tonnage ships from various regions, underscoring Turkey’s prominence in the recycling sector.How the Process Works
- Evaluation of Bids: The MoD examines bids on technical, financial, and legal grounds, ensuring that the companies comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Preliminary Approval and Contract: Once the MoD deems a bid suitable, negotiations commence for the contract. Following signature, ownership transfer arrangements are made.
- Transfer & Dismantling: The vessel is then towed or otherwise transported from the UK to Turkish shipyards—likely in Aliağa—where it is scrapped in compliance with environmental and occupational safety standards.
HMS Monmouth’s Background
- Class & Capabilities: HMS Monmouth is one of the Type 23 “Duke” class frigates. It was specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), air defense, and general patrol operations.
- Service Life & Decommissioning: Built and launched in the early 1990s, Monmouth remained in active service with the Royal Navy until 2021. Citing high upkeep costs and obsolescence, the Navy removed it from service.
- Operational History: During its years of service, HMS Monmouth participated in NATO missions, anti-piracy patrols, humanitarian assistance, and various international deployments.