The long-standing Type 23-class frigate HMS Monmouth of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy has reached the end of its life after serving at sea for 28 years. Since it was not economically repairable and required extensive renovations to remain in service, the ship was sold to Türkiye for recycling purposes. This sale is considered an important step in both generating income for the Royal Navy and recovering valuable materials by dismantling the ship in an environmentally friendly manner.
HMS Monmouth: A History from the Cold War to Humanitarian Aid
HMS Monmouth, which began its duties as a submarine hunter towards the end of the Cold War in 1993, was also known as the “Black Duke”. The frigate, which participated in important operations around the world during its tenure, played an active role in humanitarian aid operations during the Sierra Leone Civil War and fought against pirates off the coast of Somalia. HMS Monmouth, which took part in many different geographies from Antarctica to the Persian Gulf, from the Indian Ocean to a worldwide circumnavigation, was also used as a port training ship for a short time. The ship’s last major mission was in 2018, when it escorted the Royal Navy’s new flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, during her historic visit to the United States.
Uneconomical Repair and Ethical Recycling Process
Royal Navy officials stated that HMS Monmouth had reached the end of its service life and that the extensive repairs required to continue its active duty were costly. Therefore, it was decided to sell the ship for recycling. The process was carried out meticulously by receiving bids from approved ship recycling facilities in Europe. As a result of the evaluations, the Turkish ship recycling company Leyal Ship Dismantling Industry and Trade Co. Ltd., known for its commitment to environmentally sensitive and ethical dismantling principles, was the winning bidder.
Farewell from the Old Crew and Praise for Türkiye
Richard Whalley, who was a Lieutenant on HMS Monmouth during her first tour of duty and is now Head of Defence Equipment and Support Export and Sales Team, made an emotional statement about the sale of the ship to Türkiye. Whalley said: “It is always a sad day when you see a ship that has been an important part of your life about to be disposed of, but I am delighted that at least selling HMS Monmouth for recycling in Türkiye will provide an ethical and responsible way of recovering metals and other valuable assets that will provide a financial return for the Royal Navy. It is a fitting end for a ship that has served its country well.” Whalley’s words reflect both the devotion to the ship and the trust in the reliability of recycling facilities in Türkiye.
The Sixth Ship of the Duke Class: The End of an Era
The Type 23-class frigates are also known as the “Duke class” because they are named after British dukes. The first ship of the class, HMS Norfolk, entered service in 1989, while HMS Monmouth was launched in 1993 as the sixth ship of the class. The last ship of the class, HMS St Albans, was commissioned in 2002. The decommissioning of HMS Monmouth and its sale to Türkiye for recycling marks the end of an era both in terms of the ship’s own history and in the overall lifespan of Duke-class frigates. Officially decommissioned on June 30, 2021, after having her weapons and sensors removed, HMS Monmouth departed Portsmouth on April 3, 2025 for her final voyage and set sail for Türkiye.
