Mothballed HMS Montrose to leave Portsmouth for the final time amid reports of her being 'scrapped' - when
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
The frigate was decommissioned more than three years ago at HMNB Portsmouth
A decommissioned Royal Navy frigate will be leaving Portsmouth for the final time amid reports that she’ll be scrapped.
Type 23 warship HMS Montrose will be towed out of HMNB Portsmouth tomorrow morning (July 15). According to the King’s Harbour Master shipping movements, the ship will depart from the North Corner Jetty East at 7am.
Towed by Bountiful and Independent, as well as the Protug 75 Tow, the warship will proceed to the NAB Tower. HMS Montrose and HMS Westminster were moved to Fareham Creek to the naval base earlier this year. This was in preparation for future departures.
The Duke-class warship was decommissioned in April 2023 after celebrating 30 years of service. She played a vital role while being forward deployed in the Middle East, with the ship’s company being involved in drug busts, anti-piracy operations, and safeguarding missions. Former Commanding Officer Commander Claire Thompson, currently in charge of HMS Queen Elizabeth, said the ship leaves a lasting legacy.
HMS Montrose was put up for sale by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), where she failed to attract any interest. Other vessels including the former Falklands War destroyer HMS Bristol, was purchased after receiving bids from two Turkish maritime recycling companies. At the time, the Royal Navy said discussions regarding her future were ongoing.
She spent years sitting close-by to HMNB Portsmouth in Fareham Creek and elsewhere. Specialist publication Navy Lookout said: “Ex-HMS Montrose being readied for towing to Turkey for scrapping. Due to leave Portsmouth for the final time.”
The Royal Navy have been approached for further details.