12 Sep 2024

Defence Minister Maria Eagle MP opens submarine facility and Babcock Skills building at City College Plymouth

Babcock’s Chief Executive David Lockwood left, Jackie Grubb, Principal of City College Plymouth (centre) with the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP on the right.

Babcock has today welcomed The Right Honourable Maria Eagle MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry to open both our upgraded submarine facility in Devonport and our inaugural Babcock Engineering & Nuclear Skills building at City College Plymouth.

We have completed an extensive regeneration project of 9 Dock in Devonport. This included maintenance, life extension and facility improvements, delivering the most significant package of infrastructure work since the early 2000s. The site will receive the UK Vanguard Class submarines, which are critical in supporting the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent and securing the long-term defence of the nation.  

As part of Babcock’s long-term partnership with the Submarine Delivery Agency, including the maintenance of the UK’s Vanguard class submarines, this upgraded facility will deliver the current £560m maintenance programme already underway on HMS Victorious, extending the boat’s operational life.

Working with partners, the project has secured around 1000 local jobs, underpinning our commitment to supporting the Plymouth community.

In addition, the minister opened the Babcock Engineering & Nuclear Skills building at City College Plymouth. Part of the Babcock Skills Academy, this modern facility will enhance our growing workforce’s capabilities in the UK’s nuclear programmes by continuing to build a new pipeline of talent, while upskilling the existing workforce on the complex skills required to perform deep submarine maintenance.

David Lockwood, Babcock CEO, said: “Supporting the Continuous at Sea Deterrent is the most important thing we do. The huge investment and increase in digital technology in this submarine facility ensures the UK has a sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future.

“Opening our Engineering & Skills building at City College Plymouth on the same day, demonstrates our commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs to continue to deliver these vital defence programmes.”

Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry said: “The Vanguard fleet is at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe. This government is committed to a ‘triple-lock’ on our nuclear and to bolstering national security through crucial refurbishments such as this one.

 “I am honoured to open 9 Dock today, and to have the opportunity to speak with personnel and staff on their vital contribution to our nation’s security.” 

Babcock’s Chief Executive David Lockwood and the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP at the opening of 9 Dock.