Defence Online

Babcock awards milestone recycling contract in UK’s Submarine Dismantling Project

Maritime November 22, 2024

Babcock International Group (Babcock), working with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), has reached the next significant milestone to fully dismantle a nuclear-powered submarine, Swiftsure, at its facility in Rosyth.

As part of the UK’s demonstrator project, the company has recently awarded the recycling contract to KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services UK Ltd (KDCV). Babcock’s approach is a world first and will apply a new and innovative methodology which will enable around 90% of its structure and components to be reused or recycled. This includes the pressure hull around the reactor compartment, once full radiological reassurance monitoring has completed.

Swiftsure will be the first decommissioned UK nuclear-powered submarine to be fully dismantled and disposed of. It will lead the way, providing a proven approach for recycling of the current UK decommissioned fleet of submarines.

This milestone builds on work already completed by Babcock’s highly skilled teams to remove the submarine’s reactor systems and low-level radioactive waste.  With safety and environmental protection at the centre of its operations, and using a specially designed in-dock facility, the waste has been processed for removal from site through Rosyth’s state-of-the-art active waste management facility.

Swiftsure remains on track to be dismantled by 2026, ahead of the wider programme to fully dismantle all decommissioned Royal Navy submarines, which will free up space and capacity that can be used in delivery of programmes enabling submarine availability.

Babcock Chief Executive, Nuclear, Harry Holt, 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.”

Veolia’s John Abraham, Chief Operating Officer – 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.”

To mark the official start of the hull dismantling, this month Babcock and the DNE welcomed more than 40 former crew members to bid Swiftsure a fond farewell, as Submarine Delivery Agency, Head of Disposal and Devonport Infrastructure, Chris Carpenter, made the first ceremonial cut of steel.

SDA CEO, Sir Chris Gardner KBE, said: “The Babcock appointment of KDC Veolia as the recycler for Swiftsure marks a significant strategic milestone in the UK Submarine Dismantling Project. 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.”

Babcock supports the Royal Navy to protect our shores and our overseas territories sustaining the entirety of the UK’s submarine fleet. We have proudly supported the Continuous At Sea Deterrent for more than 50 years.

Through each stage of life, we support our customer’s assets and operations with expert naval base management and through strategic infrastructure programmes across our sites.

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Babcock DNE

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.