Dismantling of nuclear submarines is delayed

THE dismantling of 15 decommissioned nuclear subs at Devonport Royal Dockyard is likely to hit delays, according to a new report.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

The briefing document published by the independent Nuclear Information Service says a history of infrastructure work at the Plymouth facility means "delays are more likely to materialise than not" 

The report said upgrades to 14 and 15 Docks and the Submarine Refit Complex at Devonport are overdue and progress on submarine dismantling is "on hold" while the Government focuses on its £298m "demonstrator" project to fully dismantle HMS Swiftsure at Rosyth, forecast to be complete at the end of 2026.

The Ministry of Defence said it aims to dismantle the nuclear submarines at Devonport "as soon as practicably possible.