Dry dock upgrade at key naval base to speed up redeployment of Royal Navy's submarines

A £200 million investment is set to benefit the UK's nuclear deterrent with improved planned maintenance work support and faster turnaround times.

Number 9 Dock, the biggest dry dock in Devonport, has reopened following a major refurbishment project completed under a contract with the Babcock International Group. 

At an opening ceremony in Plymouth, Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle announced that Number 9 Dock and Devonport are "pivotal" to the Government's triple-lock nuclear guarantee to deliver the UK's next-generation Continuous-At-Sea Nuclear Deterrent.

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Number 9 Dock is a deep concrete chamber that is flooded with water to allow the submarine to float, and once the water is drained out, the sub is left resting on wooden supports while work is carried out.

Limited space in dry docks means submarines cannot undergo the maintenance they need and extended maintenance periods impact the rest of the fleet and crews.

HMS Vanguard's three-and-a-half-year maintenance period turned into seven-and-a-half years.

In recent months, only one submarine has been at sea

The defence minister told BFBS Forces News that the newly refurbished dock changes this.

"The opening of 9 Dock means that we can do the deep maintenance of our submarines, whether Vanguard Class or any of the attack submarines, in a much more timely manner.

"There will be a constant drumbeat of maintenance and planned maintenance being able to be done.

"When the maintenance is planned, you will be able to plan refits faster and deep maintenance more swiftly," she added.

This major refurbishment to Number 9 Dock allows the continuation of the upkeep of ballistic missile submarines, officially known as the Deep Maintenance Period (DMP), for Vanguard Class submarines. 

The four Vanguard Class SSBNs form the backbone of the UK's Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent which keeps the nation safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Vanguard Class subs require planned regular maintenance work to keep them in active service.

Without the planned works that take place in 9 Dock, they will not be able to achieve their designed lifespan.

Devonport

Spread across a vast area of more than 650 acres, Devonport is the biggest naval base in western Europe and has been a vital support for the Royal Navy since 1691.

It features 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths, and five basins.

The MOD said: "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."

The upgrades made to the dock have been undertaken to maintain and upgrade the support services, buildings, security arrangements and equipment in the dock.