Babcock have reached a milestone in their efforts to dismantle a nuclear-powered submarine in Rosyth.

Working with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), Babcock have reached the next stage in the submarine’s dismantlement.

The recycling contract has been awarded to KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services UK Ltd (KDCV).

As previously reported in the Press, work at Rosyth Dockyard to remove radioactive waste and then dismantle an old Royal Navy nuclear sub should be complete by 2026.

Swiftsure is the first vessel being disposed of at the Babcock site.

The Submarine Dismantling Project, which has already invested more than £200 million into the dockyard and the wider UK supply chain and sustains more than 500 jobs, will eventually see 27 subs turned into "tin cans and razor blades".

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Harry Holt, chief executive of Babcock’s Nuclear Sector, 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.”

Swiftsure entered service in 1973 and was decommissioned in 1992.

Out of the 27 nuclear subs that need to be disposed, a total of 22 have already left service.

Seven of them are stored at Rosyth, while the remaining ones are kept at Devonport in Plymouth.

SDA CEO, Sir Chris Gardner KBE, said: “The Babcock appointment of KDC Veolia as the recycler for Swiftsure marks a significant strategic milestone in the UK Submarine Dismantling Project.

"As the demonstrator for the project, Swiftsure will be the first UK nuclear powered submarine to be dismantled. 

"Lessons learned will be applied to improve the process for dismantling of all future submarines, ensuring all boats can be safely and efficiently recycled with cost savings where possible applied.”

To mark the beginning of the hull dismantling, Babcock and DNE welcomed more than 40 former crew members to say goodbye as the first ceremonial cut of steel was made in October.

The dismantling is still on track to be completed in 2026.