Babcock secures contract to support first UK nuclear submarine defuelling operations in 20 years

Babcock International announced on 5 June 2025 that it has been awarded a three-year contract to prepare for the first nuclear defuelling of a decommissioned Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine in over 20 years.

The operations will take place at Babcock’s Devonport facility in Plymouth, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s Submarine Dismantling Project.

The GBP 114 million (EUR 135 million) contract from the UK Ministry of Defence will see Babcock working collaboratively with the UK’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) and leading industry partners to prepare for the defuelling of four decommissioned Trafalgar-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), with defuel activities recommencing from 2026. Defuelling is a key enabler to submarine dismantling and must be undertaken before the full dismantling of the boat can begin.

The work will take place in parallel with Babcock’s large-scale infrastructure development programme in Devonport, which will provide highly capable facilities in support of the operational submarine programme.

The first Trafalgar-class SSN was decommissioned in 2009 and the class has now largely been replaced by the Royal Navy’s Astute-class SSNs, the first of which was commissioned in August 2010.

“This contract enables the first nuclear defuelling of a British submarine in over 20 years, underlining this Government’s commitment to responsibly manage the legacy of our nuclear submarine fleet,” UK Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle was quoted as saying in a Babcock press release. “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,” stated Babcock CEO David Lockwood. “Babcock is focused on attracting more people into the UK’s nuclear industry and the defueling operations at Devonport will create more than 150 new jobs, sharing knowledge and innovation across the wider submarine enterprise, while supporting more than 300 jobs in the wider supply chain.”

Sir Chris Gardner, CEO of the UK’s Submarine Delivery Agency, added, “The signing of this contract with Babcock is a significant step towards the safe defuelling 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.”

Babcock is currently undertaking a demonstrator project at its 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 programme will enable around 90% of the submarine’s structure and components to be reused or recycled, providing a safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective solution for the dismantling and disposal of the UK’s decommissioned nuclear submarines.