UK’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise Cuts Fin Of First Decommissioned Submarine

Royal Navy submarine 'Swiftsure' — Image Credits: UK Government

The UK’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) has successfully cut and removed the fin from the Royal Navy’s decommissioned submarine, Swiftsure. The milestone was achieved at Babcock’s Rosyth facilities in Scotland.

According to the Ministry of Defence, this is the first time such a removal has taken place under the current dismantling programme. Swiftsure is set to become the first decommissioned Royal Navy submarine to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026.

So far, more than 500 tonnes of conventional waste have been taken out of Swiftsure, most of which has already been recycled. The project aims to recycle about 90% of the submarine’s total weight.

This innovative dismantling effort follows two rounds of public consultation in 2012 and 2015, and is part of the DNE’s commitment to safe and sustainable nuclear practices. By developing this unique method of disposal, the UK is creating a model that can be used for dismantling other decommissioned submarines with Pressurised Water Reactor 1 (PWR1) technology.

The project is also contributing to the future of submarine construction. High-quality steel recovered from decommissioned submarines is already being reused to manufacture components for future submarines, according to officials.

The fin removal operation is the result of a nationwide partnership between the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, Babcock, and Defence Equipment and Support’s Defence Recycling & Disposals Team (DRDT). Around 200 highly-skilled professionals are currently working on the dismantling at Rosyth.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray discussed the significance of the achievement, stating that both national security and environmental responsibility remain key parts of the UK’s nuclear strategy. He pointed out that just this week, the Prime Minister visited Scotland to announce the planned construction of up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of a £15 billion investment in the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead programme.

The CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency, Sir Chris Gardner KBE, said the removal of the fin is a clear sign of progress and thanked all involved for their work on the demonstrator vessel.

Alistair Hughes, Head of DRDT at DE&S, stated that the project demonstrates how to get the most value out of surplus assets. He added that it helps improve the defence supply chain’s resilience, while keeping national security and prosperity central to their operations.

The Submarine Dismantling Project is also playing a role in shaping the future of the UK’s nuclear workforce by providing practical, hands-on experience to the next generation of professionals.

The project remains on schedule to complete the full dismantling of Swiftsure by the end of 2026, fulfilling a commitment made to the Public Accounts Committee in 2019.

Reference: UK Government

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