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New UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle MP has officially opened Babcock International’s upgraded submarine facility in Devonport and its inaugural Babcock Engineering & Nuclear Skills building at City College Plymouth.
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As part of the upgrades to the company’s submarine facility, Babcock completed an extensive regeneration project of 9 Dock in Devonport, including maintenance, life extension and facility improvements, delivering the most significant package of infrastructure work since the early-2000s.
This site will now play a crucial role in supporting the UK Royal Navy’s continuous at-sea deterrence capability provided by the nuclear-powered Vanguard Class ballistic missile submarines, with the upgraded facility set to deliver the current £560 million (AU$1.09 billion) maintenance program already underway on HMS Victorious, extending the boat’s operational life.
Babcock CEO David Lockwood said, “Supporting the continuous at-sea deterrent is the most important thing we do. The huge investment and increase in digital technology in this submarine facility ensures the UK has a sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future.”
This facility will be supported by the Babcock Engineering & Nuclear Skills building at City College Plymouth, opened by the new UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, which will enhance Babcock’s growing workforce’s capabilities in the UK’s nuclear programs by continuing to build a new pipeline of talent, while upskilling the existing workforce on the complex skills required to perform deep submarine maintenance.
“Opening our Engineering & Skills building at City College Plymouth on the same day, demonstrates our commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs to continue to deliver these vital defence programs,” Lockwood said.
Minister Eagle said, “The Vanguard fleet is at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe. This government is committed to a ‘triple lock’ on our nuclear and to bolstering national security through crucial refurbishments such as this one.
“I am honoured to open 9 Dock today, and to have the opportunity to speak with personnel and staff on their vital contribution to our nation’s security," Minister Eagle said.
Babcock is an international defence company operating in Australia’s focus countries of the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa, with exports to additional markets with potential to become focus countries.
