Race against time to return Falklands warship HMS Ambuscade to Clyde as naval heritage attraction
Cost of bringing frigate back from Pakistan doubles to £2 million
Campaigners hoping to return a Falklands War frigate to the Clyde to become a heritage landmark face a race against time after its owner set a deadline of next month for its removal from Pakistan amid transfer costs doubling.
Clyde Naval Heritage (CNH) wants to initially base Glasgow-built HMS Ambuscade in Greenock in time for the 45th anniversary of the conflict next year before restoring the ship as Scotland's first major post-war naval attraction.
However, the group needs to raise £2 million fast because the Pakistan Navy has ordered the vessel to leave Karachi by the end of September.
That’s twice the previous figure because of increased insurance costs and the condition of the 53-year-old warship.
Some £125,000 is required for preparation work.
The challenge comes amid intense competition for the limited funding for heritage vessels.
One maritime source said: “Clyde heritage initiatives are welcomed on the proviso that getting them back is one thing, but restoring them is another and the really hard part is keeping them running.”
The type 21 frigate was sold by the Royal Navy to Pakistan in 1993 and renamed PNS Tariq, then gifted to CNH after being decommissioned three years ago.
CNH chief executive David O'Neill said: “We have been put in a precarious position by the Pakistan Navy following a survey of the ship in Karachi.
“They are ignoring the risks to shipping in the region and have issued us with a deadline to remove her regardless or she will be destroyed.”
Mr O’Neill said CNH had struck a deal with Egypt in 2023 to bring Ambuscade back via the Suez Canal but that was shelved because of the Israel-Gaza conflict and pirate attacks on Gulf shipping.
He said: “With the current fighting between the US and Iran, our cost has doubled.
“We are looking urgently for a grant and secured loan against the scrap value of the ship to meet the costs of the return.
“We have recently conducted a ship survey in Karachi on her suitability to move, and that has confirmed our belief she is fit to become the UK’s first national, post war naval, Falklands and shipbuilding museum, on the Clyde.”
Mr O’Neill said the attraction would “recognise the extraordinary contribution of Royal Navy, Army, RAF, Merchant Navy and civilian personnel who served during the Falklands conflict and throughout the Cold War.
“The project represents a unique act of international cooperation between the UK and Pakistan.
“Once repatriated, the vessel will serve as a shared cultural and educational asset, telling the story of her service with both navies while promoting understanding between communities connected by a common naval heritage.”
CNH marketing director John Miers said: “The plan is to have her alongside the jetty near the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock for the first few months, where she should be open to visitors within a couple of months.”
During the Falklands War, the ship deflected two Exocet missiles fired from Argentine planes, which hit and destroyed supply ship Atlantic Conveyor instead, killing 12 people.
It also bombarded Argentine positions on the islands, including to support a British assault which led to the Argentine surrender the following day.
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