The UK government plans three new floating docks for the Royal Navy’s submarine service at HM Naval Base Clyde, to support maintenance of the country’s current and future nuclear submarine fleet.
The facilities, known as Program Euston, will be procured through a UK-only competition, with the government saying the decision reflects the docks’ importance to national security and the UK’s sovereign industrial capabilities.
The new floating docks will support essential inspections, upgrades and repairs of Royal Navy nuclear submarines.
The government said UK companies will deliver the projects as part of a wider effort to strengthen the country’s shipbuilding sector, support skilled jobs and maintain key industrial capabilities.
Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated Programme Euston would modernize HM Naval Base Clyde while supporting British shipyards, workers and engineering capabilities.
The floating docks are one of two major maritime projects the UK government announced on September 28. The other is a new marine research vessel, which is expected to enter service in the early 2030s and replace the UK's existing vessel.
Navantia UK has welcomed the decision, saying it intends to compete to deliver the floating docks from its shipyards in Methil, Fife, and Belfast.
Donato Martinez, Chief Executive of Navantia UK, said the project is important to sovereign defense capability and that the company would make the case to lead its delivery.
“Navantia UK will be making the case to lead the delivery of the floating docks programme from our shipyards in Methil, Fife, and Belfast. Supported by £157 million of investment across Navantia UK’s operations, both sites have undergone significant modernisation and are ready to support major defence programmes," Martinez commented.
“As a long-term investor in British shipbuilding, we would work alongside partners from across the wider UK shipbuilding and maritime enterprise to deliver this nationally important capability. The programme has the potential to create opportunities throughout the UK supply chain and bring together expertise from across the sector to deliver a vital sovereign defence asset."