Costain has confirmed it is working with Babcock International Group to help prepare for the nuclear defueling of decommissioned Trafalgar Class submarines, the first such operation in more than two decades.

The defueling activities, expected to begin in 2026, are a key step in the safe dismantling of nuclear submarines. Babcock recently secured a £114 million, three-year Ministry of Defence contract to deliver the work, which is set to create more than 150 new jobs in the South West.

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Under its existing contract with Babcock, Costain is providing specialist expertise and resources to support the project. In partnership with Mott MacDonald, the company is acting as delivery partner for a series of major infrastructure projects at Devonport in Plymouth to ensure facilities meet the Royal Navy’s future requirements.

Costain's teams of engineers and specialists in safety, design, construction, and decommissioning are preparing infrastructure including docks and fuel handling equipment, enabling Babcock to carry out the defueling work under its contract with the Ministry of Defence.

Bob Anstey, sector director, defence and nuclear energy at Costain, said: "The provision of critical, fit-for-purpose infrastructure is a vital part of the UK's defence mission. That includes ensuring that decommissioned nuclear submarines are appropriately defueled and dismantled when they reach the end of their lifespan."

Image Credit: Babcock