Major milestone achieved in MOD submarine dismantling project

The fin of decommissioned Royal Navy submarine 'Swiftsure' has been successfully cut and removed.

Decommissioned submarine 'Swiftsure' has its fin cut and removed. MOD Crown Copyright.

Defence Nuclear Enterprise successfully cuts and removes fin from decommissioned submarine, ‘Swiftsure’, at Babcock’s Rosyth facilities. 

Over 500 tonnes of conventional waste already removed and recycled from Swiftsure, with 90% of her total weight expected to be recycled. 

The Defence Nuclear Enterprise’s (DNE) Submarine Dismantling Project has achieved a major milestone as it completes the fin cut and removal on the demonstrator submarine, Swiftsure.  

She will become the first decommissioned Royal Navy submarine to be dismantled by the end of 2026, establishing a unique and world-first methodology to disposal.  

The innovative programme of work 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 recycling of the UK’s decommissioned nuclear fleet.  

The disposal approach was supported by the results of two public consultations in 2012 and 2015 and reflects the DNE’s commitment to act as a responsible nuclear operator. 

Lessons from Swiftsure will develop the blueprint for the recycling of the remaining decommissioned Pressurised Water Reactor 1 submarines, with high quality steel already recovered from decommissioned submarines being repurposed into components for future submarines.  

The fin removal is part of a truly national endeavour, delivered by the DNE in collaboration with Babcock and Defence Equipment and Support’s Defence Recycling & Disposals Team (DRDT). 

National security and environmental responsibility are at the heart of our commitment to act as a responsible nuclear operator - a technology which will play a key role in the UK Royal Navy’s submarine fleet keeping us safe for years to come.