The biggest dry dock in Devonport, known as 9 Dock, has reopened
today following a major refurbishment project worth £200 million
completed under a contract with Babcock International
Group.
At an opening ceremony in Plymouth, Minister for Defence
Procurement and Industry MP announced that 9 Dock and
Devonport are pivotal to the government's triple-lock nuclear
guarantee to deliver our next generation, Continuous-At-Sea
Nuclear Deterrent.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, MP 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.
Devonport is the biggest naval base in Western Europe and has
been a vital support for the Royal Navy since 1691. Spread across
a vast area of more than 650 acres, it features 15 dry docks,
four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths, and five
basins.
With a workforce of 7,000 Service people and civilians, Devonport
also contributes to the local economy by supporting approximately
400 local businesses and generating around ten percent of
Plymouth's income. Employing more than 10% of Plymouth's
workforce it contributes 14% of Plymouth's economy Nationally,
Devonport plays a vital role in supporting the UK's Maritime
industry by creating high-quality jobs, attracting further
investment and subsequently strengthening the UK's strategic
position on the global stage.
There were 1,250 people employed during upgrades to 9 Dock,
through the project team and the supply chain. More than 900
people were local and commuted daily with 25 apprentices employed
during the project.
The upgrades made to the dock have been undertaken to maintain
and upgrade the support services, buildings, security
arrangements and the equipment in the Dock, such as the
installation of the Alternative Mechanical Handling package that
will help reduce the maintenance durations by driving up
productivity. This major refurbishment to 9 Dock allows the
continuation of the upkeep of ballistic missile submarines,
officially known as Deep Maintenance Period (DMP), for Vanguard
Class submarines. The four Vanguard Class SSBNs form the
backbone of the United Kingdom's Continuous At Sea Nuclear
Deterrent which keeps the nation safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year.
The Vanguard Class undergo cycles of planned Deep Maintenance
Periods throughout their lifetime. These maintenance periods
ensure they remain fitted with the latest technology and systems
to fulfil their operational capabilities.
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.
Opening our Engineering & Skills establishment 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 programmes.
Since 1969 our Continuous at Sea Deterrent has been the bedrock
of our nation's defence. The Minister also used her visit to
reinforce the new government commitment to its ‘triple-lock' on
the deterrent, which includes building four new nuclear
submarines in Barrow-In-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our
continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future
upgrades needed. Last week the Defence Secretary greeted submariners on
the Clyde returning from the latest nuclear patrol mission and
thanked our submariners and all those shoreside for their
dedication and service.