Nuclear Submarines

Posted: 14th December 2020

Plymouth is brimming with naval history, with the Navy operating out of
Devonport dockyard for over 300 years. It’s also home to 12 of Britain’s
former nuclear submarine fleet – they now lie untouched, with radioactive
cargo still intact. Some of the nuclear subs were removed from service
almost 30 years ago, and were brought to Devonport for maintenance,
refuelling, refitting and dismantling. The life of the Vanguard class
submarines has been extended until 2032 and so this work will carry on in
Devonport for many years to come. Devonport has been unable to defuel subs
since 2004 when it failed to meet nuclear safety standards, and the first
sub won’t be dismantled until 2023. Decommissioned vessels are being stored
at Devonport and Rosyth while arrangements are made to safely dispose of
them and the radioactive waste they contain. Seven of the submarines have
been in storage longer than they were in service with the Royal Navy. So
what do people living near the submarines think? There’s a mixed reaction
from residents in Keyham, close to the Naval Base in Devonport, but the
overall opinion is that it doesn’t bother them too much.

Plymouth Herald 13th Dec 2020

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/people-living-next-plymouths-nuclear-4782409

A Scots nuclear submarine base is currently experiencing a coronavirus
outbreak so severe that they look set to have ‘more cases than the whole of
Edinburgh’ over the Christmas period.

Edinburgh Live 13th Dec 2020

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/coronavirus-scotland-faslane-nuclear-submarine-19449521