UK: final dismantling of HMS Swiftsure nuclear-powered attack submarine begins

By Defence Industry Europe

The British Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) has achieved a significant milestone as the retired Royal Navy submarine HMS Swiftsure has docked at Rosyth for a pioneering dismantling process. This move marks the first step in what is set to become a historic accomplishment, as HMS Swiftsure is poised to be the inaugural UK nuclear-powered submarine to undergo a complete dismantling by the end of 2026.

The SDA termed this endeavor as a groundbreaking event, with HMS Swiftsure’s comprehensive dismantling never previously attempted on this scale. Valuable steel and approximately 90% of the submarine’s components are slated for recycling or repurposing. HMS Swiftsure, a part of the Swiftsure-class of nuclear-powered attack submarines that served the Royal Navy for over 20 years since the 1970s, will serve as a demonstrator for the meticulous dismantling process.

 

 

The responsibility for dismantling the submarine lies jointly with the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and Babcock International, a British defence company specializing in nuclear engineering. While Babcock International’s history traces back to the 19th century, the SDA is a newer entity established in 2018 to manage the lifecycle of UK nuclear submarines.

 

 

Dismantling nuclear submarines is an intricate process involving numerous stages such as reactor defueling, removal of radioactive components, and vessel segmentation. Rigorous safety protocols and radiological assessments are imperative to contain radiation during the process. Effective waste management, adherence to international agreements, and recycling practices are crucial to address environmental and security considerations surrounding this complex operation.

 

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