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The United Kingdom has officially opened a new New Submarine Availability Support Hub to improve submarine delivery, boost engineering capabilities and help maintain continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.
The new submarine facility in Bristol was opened by UK Defence Minister Maria Eagle on January 30.
The New Submarine Availability Support Hub is expected to support new jobs, boost engineering capabilities and help deliver the UK government’s Plan for Change by strengthening security and supporting the mission to improve economic growth.
"It was a privilege to open the new Babcock Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol, and to have the opportunity to speak with civilian colleagues and Navy personnel alike," according to Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle.
"The investment in this new facility is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to making defence an engine for growth.
"This brand new facility will benefit the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which safeguards our security, and bolsters our country’s prosperity."
The opening of the state-of-the-art facility is expected to enable the Defence Nuclear Enterprise – the partnership of organisations that operate, maintain, renew and sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent - to work together more seamlessly with UK defence company Babcock and other contractors to drive better submarine availability and delivery.
This will be achieved through utilising cutting-edge digital and learning tools and drawing together technical and engineering expertise in a collaborative space.
"The opening of the Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol provides a collaborative space that will support submarine availability for the Royal Navy in defence of our nation. This innovative facility is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the UK’s nuclear enterprise," according to Submarine Delivery Agency, CEO Sir Chris Gardner KBE.
"It offers a dedicated space for the Submarine Delivery Agency and Babcock to undertake vital joint work which will support waterfront operations, as well as presenting an opportunity to develop future talent by providing placement roles for engineering students.
"In addition, the activity taking place within the SASH enables waterfront operations at Clyde and Devonport by improving the content, planning and preparation for maintenance periods as part of an integrated Naval Nuclear business to support submarine availability."
The investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to the national security and follows the launch of the consultation for the Defence Industrial Strategy - which will place deterrence at the heart of a new approach and ensures the defence sector is an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK.
