Babcock awards milestone recycling contract in UK's Submarine Dismantling Project

As part of the UK's demonstrator project, Babcock has recently awarded the recycling contract to KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services UK Ltd (KDCV). 

Swiftsure will be the first decommissioned UK nuclear-powered submarine to be fully dismantled and disposed of. It will lead the way, providing a proven approach for recycling of the current UK decommissioned fleet of submarines. 

This milestone builds on work already completed by the teams to remove the submarine's reactor systems and low-level radioactive waste. 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.

Harry Holt, Chief Executive of the 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 & Energy for 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.”

SDA CEO, Sir Chris Gardner KBE, 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 UK nuclear powered submarine to be dismantled.  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."