The UK MoD has quietly sold off another three Type 42 destroyers for demolition in Turkey. Exeter, Southampton and Nottingham were towed to Leyal Ship Dismantling & Recycling’s facility in Aliaga, where Invincible was scrapped earlier in the year. The same yard also disposed of Cardiff, Glasgow and Newcastle in 2009.
The MoD reportedly received 12 bids for the ships, which were ultimately sold as one lot via a government online auction website. The ships’ scrap value is estimated to be around £2 million, although the value of the contract has not been disclosed.
No sooner had the ships been sent on their way than more decommissioned warships were moved in to take their place. Chatham and Campbeltown arrived from Devonport in late September to join Ark Royal, Manchester, Gloucester, Endurance, Walney and Bayleaf in lay-up, awaiting their fate at Portsmouth.
