Swiftsure's fin removed as retired sub leads Navy's world-first recycling project
The fin from a decommissioned submarine has been cut off and removed as part of a world-first recycling project.
Swiftsure is currently in dry dock at Rosyth, in Scotland, where it is being carefully dismantled.
An estimated 90% of her total weight will be repurposed, with some of the high-quality steel used to create components for future Royal Navy submarines.
Swiftsure is set to be first of the UK's decommissioned nuclear submarines to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026.
Cutting and removing the intact fin from the vessel marks a major step forward in the recycling process, run by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise's (DNE) Submarine Dismantling Project
"Reaching this significant milestone sets a strong foundation for an enduring commitment that supports both national security and environmental responsibility and is testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams, as we look to provide a safe and secure solution to the dismantling of the UK's decommissioned nuclear submarines," said Harry Holt, chief executive of defence firm Babock's nuclear sector.
The Babock team is working in close collaboration with the DNE, contractor KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services and Rolls-Royce on the project, as well as the Submarine Delivery Agency.
The hope is that the current work on Swiftsure will lay the foundation for a sustainable dismantling programme for other submarines in the coming years.
Lessons from Swiftsure will develop the blueprint for the recycling of the remaining decommissioned Pressurised Water Reactor 1 submarines, with high-quality steel already recovered from decommissioned submarines being re-purposed into components for future submarines.
"Our colleagues continue to work tirelessly alongside our industry partners in Rosyth to deliver a proven dismantling method using this demonstrator vessel," said Sir Chris Gardner, CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency.
Nuclear submarines contain complex equipment, which means it is a challenging and intricate process to dismantle one.
The work involves defuelling the reactor, removing radioactive components and cutting the vessel into segments.
Engineers also need to ensure radiation is contained and comply with international safety regulations for waste disposal.
HMS Swiftsure was withdrawn from service in 1992 after cracks were discovered in her reactor.
She was launched in 1971 and was the lead boat of her class of nuclear submarines.
The attempt to salvage steel and parts for recycling is a world first.
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