Work which could set an example of how the UK’s retired nuclear submarine fleet could be dismantled and recycled is said to be well underway.
The former Cold War veteran Swiftsure is serving as the blueprint for dismantling the rest of the UK’s decommissioned nuclear boats by Babcock at Roysth.
Some of the material recycled will be used on next-generation submarines, such as the Dreadnought class currently under construction in Barrow and the future AUKUS boats. The rest will undergo conventional recycling.
In a written answer to Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said: “To date almost 550 tonnes of conventional waste have been removed and recycled from Swiftsure, with 90% of her total weight expected to be recycled in due course.
“In June 2025, Swiftsure’s fin was cut and removed, marking a key project milestone.
“This unique project is providing a safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective solution for the recycling of the UK’s decommissioned nuclear fleet and supports 200 highly-skilled jobs in Rosyth.”
Dismantling Swiftsure is due to be completed by the end of 2026.
