MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' veteran HMS Intrepid to be recycled

HMS Intrepid

The former Royal Navy assault ship HMS Intrepid, a key part of the fleet that led the campaign to retake the Falkland Islands 25 years ago, is expected to be recycled at a British facility, the Ministry of Defense announced Monday.

The 12.000 tons vessel, which has been moored in Portsmouth harbor since she left service in 1999, has been replaced in service by the much larger, more capable and better equipped assault ship HMS Albion. Leavesley International has been selected as preferred bidder for the task of recycling HMS Intrepid and will now apply for the necessary licenses and approvals. When the company has secured these permissions MoD expects to be in a position to place a contract for the task. The preferred bidder status has been awarded by the MOD's Disposal Services Agency (DSA), following an open competition with strict requirements regarding environmentally friendly dismantling. Leavesley's recycling plan includes re-use of engineered components, reuse of materials, predominantly steel, and a limited sale of 'souvenir' elements. "All Royal Navy ships eventually reach the end of their working lives. HMS Intrepid played a key role in the Falkland Islands 25 years ago. Following her post-tour leave in Portsmouth she can head gracefully into recycled retirement knowing that her replacement, HMS Albion, will continue her good work around the world", said Commodore David Steel, Portsmouth Naval Base Commander. Defense Minister Lord Drayson said: "The MoD is determined to act responsibly when it comes to the disposal of ex Royal Navy vessels. Tender documentation for this task was specifically designed to ensure that only responsible companies that will act within all UK and EU laws and environmental regulations would be considered. "Any future competition for the recycling of a former Royal Navy vessel will be run in the same way, to prevent uncontrolled and unregulated recycling of Royal Navy vessels in other parts of the world".