By Gabriel Ani
In a pioneering step for the decommissioning of nuclear-powered vessels, UK defense giant Babcock International has awarded a significant recycling contract to KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services (KDCV) to dismantle the retired Royal Navy submarine, HMS Swiftsure. This milestone project, supported by the UK Ministry of Defence, sets a global precedent for nuclear submarine recycling.
The project marks HMS Swiftsure as the first UK nuclear-powered submarine to undergo full dismantling and disposal as part of the UK’s demonstrator project. Babcock’s innovative process aims to recycle or repurpose an impressive 90% of the submarine’s structure and components, including its pressure hull around the reactor compartment, once radiological safety clearance is complete.
“This is a world first,” stated Harry Holt, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Nuclear Sector. “We are combining decades of expertise with the best in the industry to lead a safe, sustainable disposal approach for all retired nuclear submarines.”
The decommissioning process, which builds on extensive work by Babcock’s teams, involves using a specialized in-dock facility at Rosyth for the safe removal and processing of low-level radioactive waste. According to Veolia’s John Abraham, the company’s Chief Operating Officer for Industrial, Water & Energy in the UK, this project aligns with Veolia’s GreenUp initiative aimed at sustainable resource management. “By applying Veolia’s global skills, we are proud to help introduce this new, sustainable method of decommissioning these complex vessels,” he said.
The launch of the dismantling phase was celebrated with a ceremonial steel cut, attended by over 40 former crew members, who witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in Swiftsure’s history. Babcock projects the dismantling to be completed by 2026, setting the stage for the safe and efficient disposal of all decommissioned Royal Navy submarines in the years to follow.
The Swiftsure-class submarines, built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering, served the Royal Navy from the 1970s until 2010, when they were ultimately succeeded by the Astute-class submarines.
