Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • DE&S agree sale of HMS Bristol for recycling

Defence

DE&S agree sale of HMS Bristol for recycling

HMS Bristol, the only Type 82 in existence, has been sold for recycling by ship recycling experts from the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Defence Recycling & Disposals Team, on behalf of the Royal Navy.

Image Crown Copyright.

With a focus on sustainability, the team from DE&S – the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) –specialises in the responsible disposal of vehicles, vessels and equipment no longer needed by UK Armed Forces.

HMS Bristol was formally decommissioned in a ceremony 28th October 2020 after almost 48 years of active service. Having remained at Portsmouth Harbour since 2011, the team agreed her sale and she will now be taken to a specialist recycling facility within an EU-approved yard in Turkey. 

Advertisement
Leonardo RT

DE&S works with the Royal Navy to ensure robust regulatory and legislative compliance of all tenders to deliver safe, ethical and responsible ship recycling. All reusable equipment from ships destined for recycling is removed before sale. The remaining critical materials can be recycled into other purposes. 

Alistair Hughes, Head of DRDT, said: “Recycling of ships at the end of their hull life is routine business for the Royal Navy and our aim is to achieve maximum value for money for Defence in an environmentally compliant manner – HMS Bristol is a fitting example of this after her many dedicated years of service.” 

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Construction of HMS Bristol began in 1967 with the decision to make her a ‘one-off’ design. She Commissioned into the Royal Navy 31 March 1973. A varied career saw her inclusion in the 1982 Falklands War before being employed as a training ship in 1987 as a part of the Dartmouth Training Squadron.  

HMS Bristol went on to be used as the harbour training ship, adjacent to Navy Command Headquarters on Whale Island, Portsmouth. She also provided accommodation for multiple youth organisations including the Sea Cadets, Combined Cadet Forces and the Sea Scouts. She was the first taste of life in the Senior Service for many current and former sailors and will be fondly remembered for her resolute presence when arriving in Portsmouth by land or sea. 

HMS Bristol is the second decommissioned ship to be towed for recycling this calendar year, with HMS Monmouth having departed in April.

Advertisement
Cranfield University
GKN Aerospace secures Typhoon transparencies contract

Defence

GKN Aerospace secures Typhoon transparencies contract

10 July 2025

GKN Aerospace has has signed a six-year follow-on contract with BAE Systems for continued manufacture of Eurofighter Typhoon transparencies at its Luton facility, through to the end of 2030.

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

Defence Security

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

10 July 2025

Metis has won a contract to supply a number of Skyperion drone detection systems to a NATO customer to provide the drone detect function as part of an integrated Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) capability.

ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

Defence Space

ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

10 July 2025

ALL.SPACE has revealed a major advancement in mobile satellite communications with the successful demonstration of Hydra MAX - the first network independent terminal of its kind to deliver ultra wideband communications to multiple satellites simultaneously.

BAE Systems assessed

Defence

BAE Systems assessed 'Awardable' for US DoD work in P1 Solutions Marketplace

9 July 2025

BAE Systems in collaboration with Defense Unicorns, have announced that their joint solution has achieved 'Awardable' status for US Department of Defense (DoD) work through the US Platform One (P1) Solutions Marketplace.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
Government unveils Team UK approach to defence

Defence

Government unveils Team UK approach to defence

8 July 2025

UK Government plans to deliver jobs across the country by unlocking the full economic potential of Britain's defence sector are being unveiled today.

Construction begins on SLA accommodation at RAF Cosford

Defence

Construction begins on SLA accommodation at RAF Cosford

8 July 2025

Construction has started on a new 50-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT