Babcock marks next stage in submarine dismantling project

The work is being carried out at Babcock’s Rosyth facility to dismantle Swiftsure, a nuclear-powered submarine which served with the Royal Navy.

As part of a UK demonstrator project, Babcock has awarded the recycling contract to KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services UK Ltd (KDCV). Babcock said that items to be reused or recycled include the pressure hull around the reactor compartment.

In a statement, Veolia’s John Abraham, COO – Industrial, Water & Energy for UK, Ireland and Nordics, said, “Working with the Ministry of Defence and Babcock on this unique and complex project will mark a new sustainable way of decommissioning and recycling this type of vessel. By using Veolia’s global skills, we will deliver this world-first project as part of our GreenUp strategic programme designed to depollute, decarbonise and preserve resources.”

The work on Swiftsure, the first decommissioned UK nuclear-powered submarine to be fully dismantled and disposed of, is expected to develop a proven approach for recycling the UK’s decommissioned fleet of submarines. 

Completed work to date includes the removal of the submarine’s reactor systems and low-level radioactive waste.  The project is expected to be completed by 2026.

Harry Holt, chief executive of Babcock’s nuclear sector, said: “This is a world first. We are bringing together our experience of supporting the entire UK submarine fleet, our nuclear expertise and our ability to bring the best of industry together on this programme to spearhead the approach for the safe disposal of all ex-service nuclear submarines.”

To mark the official start of the hull dismantling, Babcock welcomed over 40 former crew members to bid Swiftsure farewell.

SDA CEO, Sir Chris Gardner KBE, said: “As the demonstrator for the project, Swiftsure will be the first UK nuclear powered submarine to be dismantled.  Lessons learned will be applied to improve the process for dismantling of all future submarines, ensuring all boats can be safely and efficiently recycled with cost savings where possible applied.”

Swiftsure was a class of nuclear-powered fleet submarines in service with the Royal Navy from the early 1970s until 2010.