Plans to expand the RN’s nuclear submarine docking capacity at Faslane could see major infrastructure built overseas, despite the strategic sensitivity of the programme. A report in The Sunday Times suggests questions remain over whether British yards still retain the expertise to construct large floating dry docks domestically as the MoD advances Programme EUSTON.

Programme EUSTON, formally the Additional Fleet Time Docking Capability (AFTDC), is the plan to deliver one or more floating dry docks at HM Naval Base Clyde, at Faslane. The scheme would allow concurrent out-of-water maintenance of at least two nuclear submarines, potentially more than doubling the base’s current capacity. Defence officials began sounding out potential contractors in late 2023, and the MoD confirmed in January that detailed design work had begun.

It is MoD policy that any infrastructure work performed within Faslane’s boundaries must be carried out by British companies, but it has not clarified whether this extends to the construction of the floating docks themselves. That ambiguity has prompted concern from trade unions. The Unite Union is calling on the government to guarantee the docks will be built in a UK shipyard.

Since Navantia acquired the assets of Harland & Wolff out of administration last year, the company has been actively promoting Methil as a suitable construction site for the docks. However, no floating docks have been built in the UK since the 1960s, and the MoD has not ruled out foreign help being required. The docks will have to be built to especially stringent safety standards in line with nuclear regulation, although there may be some diversion from the standards applied to nuclear sites built on land.

Submarine availability a priority

Awarding the project to Navantia Methil would make sense as this is the kind of project the facility is well-suited for. It would also be good news for UK industry and jobs, but timely delivery to ensure submarine availability is improved must be the decisive factor in any contract award.

The barge, Navantia UK Seahorse, was built at Methil yard and formally christened on 5th May. It will be used to transport sections of the Fleet Solid Support ships from Appledore and Cadiz to Belfast.

The importance of Programme EUSTON reflects mounting pressure on the RN’s submarine support infrastructure. Dock capacity is already tightly scheduled at HMNB Devonport, and Faslane currently relies solely on a shiplift for out-of-water maintenance. With Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines approaching service entry and plans for up to 12 nuclear attack submarines under the AUKUS programme, demand on nuclear-licensed dockyard facilities will only grow.

Funding is expected to come from the ringfenced defence nuclear enterprise budget, offering some protection against broader cuts. However, the government has yet to publish its defence investment plan, originally due at the end of last year, against a backdrop of a projected £28 billion funding shortfall across the defence budget.

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Source: https://www.navylookout.com/uk-may-need-foreign-help-to-build-royal-navy-submarine-docks/