The contract is part of the UK’s Submarine Dismantling Project in partnership with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). Babcock said that the chosen approach will allow around 90% of the structure and components of the submarine to be reused or recycled.
This will include the pressure hull around the reactor compartment, once full radiological reassurance monitoring has completed.
The KDVC contract comes after Babcock’s team has already removed the submarine’s reactor systems and low-level radioactive waste. The latter was removed for processing using a bespoke in-dock facility.
The project is forecast to conclude in 2026 ahead of a wider programme to dismantle all decommissioned Royal Navy submarines.
Babcock’s chief executive of nuclear, Harry Holt, 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.”
John Abraham, Veolia COO of industrial, water and energy for UK, Ireland and Nordics, added: “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.”
Ahead of the start of the dismantling project, Babcock and DNE held a ceremony to bid farewell to Swiftsure with 40 of its former crew members in attendance.
In September, KDVC supported Imperial College London in the first full decommissioning of a civil nuclear reactor.
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