Working with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE),
Babcock has reached a significant milestone to fully dismantle Swiftsure, a nuclear-powered submarine, at its facility in Rosyth. As part of the UK’s demonstrator project, Babcock awarded the recycling contract to Manchester-based
KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services UK Ltd (KDCV).
This approach is a world first, applying a new and innovative methodology which will enable around 90% of the structure and components to be re-used 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 and will set the benchmark for recycling 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 our 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.
World firstHarry 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.”
Veolia’s John Abraham, chief operating officer – industrial, water and energy for the 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, Babcock together with DNE recently welcomed more than 40 former crew members to bid Swiftsure a fond farewell, as Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), Chris Carpenter, head of disposal and Devonport infrastructure, made the first ceremonial cut of steel.
SDA CEO Sir Chris Gardner 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 nuclear-powered submarine to be dismantled in the UK. 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.”