Babcock to support Trafalgar Class submarine defueling

Image courtesy Babcock

The operations will take place at Babcock’s Devonport facility in Plymouth, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s Submarine Dismantling Project.

This £114 million contract from the Ministry of Defence will see Babcock working collaboratively with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) and leading industry partners to prepare for the defuel of four decommissioned submarines, with defuel activities recommencing from 2026. Defueling is a key enabler to submarine dismantling and must be undertaken before the full dismantling process commences. 

The work will take place in parallel with Babcock’s large-scale infrastructure development programme in Devonport, which will provide highly capable facilities in support of the operational submarine programme. 

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said: "This contract enables the first nuclear defueling of a British submarine in over 20 years, underlining this Government’s commitment to responsibly manage the legacy of our nuclear submarine fleet.

“The work at Devonport will not only ensure we meet our environmental obligations but also create more than 150 new jobs and develop crucial skills in the South West. This partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Babcock demonstrates how our defence industry continues to drive innovation and sustainability, while creating skilled jobs which contribute to our growth mission and our plan for change.”

Babcock CEO, David Lockwood said: “We are proud to support the UK’s submarine fleet in the defence of our nation, ensuring the vessels are safe and available for decades of Royal Navy operations, through to their secure disposal.

“Babcock is focused on attracting more people into the UK’s nuclear industry and the defueling operations at Devonport will create more than 150 new jobs, sharing knowledge and innovation across the wider submarine enterprise, while supporting more than 300 jobs in the wider supply chain.” 

Sir Chris Gardner KBE, Submarine Delivery Agency CEO said: “The signing of this contract with Babcock is a significant step towards the safe defueling of the decommissioned submarines in Devonport, a crucial part of the UK’s commitment to fully dismantling the retired fleet in the most responsible way possible. Collaboration with our industry partners plays an essential role in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise’s ability to support the national endeavour and maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent.” 

Babcock is currently undertaking a demonstrator project at its Rosyth facility in collaboration with the DNE’s Submarine Dismantling Project, which will see the former HMS Swiftsure be the first UK nuclear-powered submarine to be fully dismantled. The innovative programme will enable around 90% of the submarine’s structure and components to be reused or recycled, providing a safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective solution for the dismantling and disposal of the UK’s decommissioned nuclear fleet.