Devonport Dry Dock Reopens After £200 Million Refurbishment

The largest dry dock at a naval base in Plymouth has reopened after a £200 million refurbishment, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Earlier, an opening ceremony for 9 Dock was held at HMNB Devonport.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the project, which was commissioned by Babcock, would allow British submarines to carry out maintenance work more quickly and therefore be back in service more quickly.

According to Babcock CEO David Lockwood, the project will ensure the UK has a “sovereign, purpose-built, deep maintenance capability now and in the future”.

‘Deterring our opponents’

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said 9 Dock and Devonport were critical to the future of the continuous nuclear deterrent at sea.

Speaking at the shipyard, Ms Eagle said the site makes a “vital contribution to the security of our country”.

According to the Department of Defense, the Vanguard-class submarines required regular maintenance work, known as a period of deep maintenance, to keep them in active service.

It said: “Without the planned works taking place at 9 Dock, they will not be able to achieve their intended lifespan.”

Ms Eagle said the fleet was “central to deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe”.

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