The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that no procurement decisions have yet been made for the floating dry docks required under Programme Euston, with a full market assessment planned as requirements continue to develop.
In response to written parliamentary questions from Richard Baker MP (Labour, Glenrothes and Mid Fife), Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle explained that Programme Euston remains in the Concept Phase.
A “detailed assessment of market capacity and capability” will be conducted as part of the next stages. Eagle added that the programme will engage with both UK-based and international suppliers to assess whether they possess the required capabilities, but no final decisions have been taken at this time.
Programme Euston forms part of a broader initiative to modernise support infrastructure at HM Naval Base Clyde, the home of the UK’s Vanguard-class nuclear deterrent submarines and future Dreadnought-class vessels.
The current government’s approach builds on earlier work initiated under the previous administration. In November 2023, the MoD launched an early market engagement for what was then known as the Additional Fleet Time Docking Capability (AFTDC) Programme.
The plan, outlined in a Prior Information Notice (PIN), set out an intention to procure two floating docks and associated infrastructure to enhance the out-of-water maintenance capability at Faslane, ensuring sufficient capacity to support the future submarine fleet.
At that time, former Minister of State for Defence James Cartlidge said:
“The Ministry of Defence has conducted an assessment on its docking needs. This assessment has identified that two floating docks are required to enhance the out of water maintenance capability and meet future demand for submarine maintenance at His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde.”
Cartlidge added that initial market engagement had been launched to shape the procurement strategy.
The project has taken on added significance given the growing demands on Faslane, both from the current fleet and preparations for the arrival of the Dreadnought class submarines later this decade. The need for resilient supply chains and sovereign capability in strategic defence infrastructure has been repeatedly highlighted by the Government, a theme that continues with Programme Euston.
They really need to get on with this! At the moment we inly have 2 of the 5 Astutes available due to lack of dry docks with 3 having been alongside for a very long time! Little point in having super subs if you can’t operate them due to a lack of maintenance facilities.
I agree. In the US, Billy Clinton did not protect our submarine-capable shipyards and closed two. Now the US is suffering significant maintenance issues. A floating dry dock also allows nonmilitary work and outsourcing to other countries. As a retired Shipyard worker, I believe a floating dock makes a lot of sense.
I agree, it’s even more critical the UK get more dock capacity given how short the US is and floating docks make massive sense especially if we need to take them to the Indian Ocean or the pacific in future.
2040: Minister for Something (it/that)’Nothing too precipitate Fanshaw?’
2045: First Secretary (get/you) ‘We have some concrete proposals. But there is a problem. Are we certain concrete will float?’ (B*gger!)