Royal Navy's Devonport Base completes upgrade to nuclear submarine facility.

According to information published by the British Gov on September 12, 2024, the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine maintenance capabilities have been significantly enhanced following the reopening of the largest dry dock at Devonport Naval Base.
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Royal Navy Devonport Base. (Picture source: UK MoD)

Known as 9 Dock, the facility has undergone a £200 million refurbishment project under a contract with Babcock International Group, aimed at accelerating the maintenance of the Vanguard-class submarines that form the core of the UK's Continuous-At-Sea Nuclear Deterrent (CASD).

The Devonport base, the largest of its kind in Western Europe, has been a cornerstone of Royal Navy operations since the late 17th century. Today, it spans over 650 acres and houses 15 dry docks, along with extensive waterfront facilities. With a workforce of 7,000 personnel, including both service members and civilians, the base contributes around 14% to Plymouth’s economy, reinforcing its strategic importance both locally and nationally.

The upgrades to 9 Dock focused on modernizing support services and infrastructure, including enhanced security, upgraded equipment, and the introduction of the Alternative Mechanical Handling package. This new system is designed to shorten maintenance times for the Vanguard fleet, which undergoes periodic Deep Maintenance Periods (DMPs) to ensure operational readiness and the integration of the latest technology.

The Vanguard-class submarines play a crucial role in deterring adversaries and maintaining national security, as they remain at sea year-round to provide continuous nuclear deterrence. The refurbished dock is expected to streamline these essential maintenance processes, allowing the fleet to redeploy more efficiently.

The refurbishment also coincides with the opening of Babcock’s Engineering & Skills establishment at City College Plymouth, aimed at training the next generation of engineers to support the UK's nuclear defense programs. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to strengthening the country’s long-term nuclear capabilities, including plans to build four new nuclear submarines and ensure continuous at-sea deterrence well into the future.