Babcock, Veolia in first dismantling of UK nuclear submarine

Babcock International has awarded a recycling contract to KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services UK Ltd for the dismantling of Swiftsure, the first decommissioned UK nuclear-powered submarine to undergo complete disposal, according to a press release from Babcock.

This milestone, achieved in collaboration with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), is an important step in the UK’s Submarine Dismantling Project.

The project is based at Babcock’s Rosyth facility in Fife and aims to recycle or reuse around 90% of the submarine’s structure and components, including the pressure hull, pending radiological checks.

The dismantling process follows extensive work by Babcock teams, who have already removed reactor systems and low-level radioactive waste. The remaining stages will be managed within a specially designed in-dock facility at Rosyth, which supports safe handling and environmental protection throughout the process.

Swiftsure is expected to be fully dismantled by 2026, paving the way for the eventual recycling of the entire decommissioned UK submarine fleet.

Harry Holt, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Nuclear Sector, spoke of the pioneering nature of the project. “This is a world first. We’re applying our nuclear expertise and drawing on industry collaboration to set a standard for the safe disposal of all ex-service nuclear submarines,” he said in the Babcock press release.

Veolia’s Chief Operating Officer for Industrial, Water & Energy, John Abraham, underscored the project’s environmental commitment. “This unique project will set a new sustainable standard for decommissioning and recycling this type of vessel,” said Abraham, citing Veolia’s GreenUp programme, which focuses on reducing pollution and preserving resources.

To mark the beginning of Swiftsure’s dismantling, more than 40 former crew members attended a ceremony at Rosyth, where Chris Carpenter, Head of Disposal at the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), performed a ceremonial steel cut on the hull. SDA CEO Sir Chris Gardner commented on the project’s strategic significance, saying, “Swiftsure will serve as the demonstrator for the project, setting the course for dismantling all future submarines.”