The initial contract to refit the UK’s second Vanguard-class nuclear submarines has been awarded to Babcock.
HMS Victorious, which was launched in 1993 and is one of four submarines armed with Trident missiles which provide the UK’s nuclear deterrent, will be in Devonport for the multi-year refit.
The vessel has been in Plymouth since last month in anticipation of the work.
The initial full cost recovery agreement with the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) will be replaced with a contract on the same terms for the full programme before the end of the year.
Babcock’s chief executive nuclear Dominic Kieran (right) said the refit programme would support around 1,000 jobs in the Devonport area.
“This is the result of a truly collaborative effort with the SDA,” he said.
“The work we do to support the Vanguard class fleet, a vital part of the UK’s defence, has never been more important.
“The commercial framework we have agreed will ensure the retention of our skilled workforce, support future recruitment and enable us to focus on supporting the SDA in its drive to increase submarine availability.”
SDA chief executive Chris Gardner said “The completion of HMS Victorious’ deep maintenance period is vital to supporting defence’s highest priority.
“We look forward to working with Babcock to deliver the project on time to enable ongoing submarine availability and to continue to transform Devonport naval base into a centre of excellence for submarine deep maintenance.”
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