Babcock secures major contract for first UK submarine defueling in two decades

Defense and aerospace company Babcock International has been awarded a three-year contract to prepare for the first nuclear defueling of a decommissioned Trafalgar-class submarine in over 20 years. 

This £114 million contract from the Ministry of Defense will see Babcock working collaboratively with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) and other industry partners to prepare for the defueling of four decommissioned submarines.

The defuel activities will recommence from 2026. Defueling is a key enabler to submarine dismantling and must be undertaken before the full dismantling process commences, according to Babcock.

 The operations will take place at the Devonport facility in Plymouth.

“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,” Minister for Defense Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said.

“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.”

“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 Chief Executive, David Lockwood, added.

“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,” Chris Gardner, Submarine Delivery Agency CEO, commented.

Babcock is currently undertaking a demonstrator project at the 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 program will enable around 90% of the submarine’s structure and components to be reused or recycled.