We are committed to disposing of our nuclear submarines in a way that is safe, environmentally responsible, secure and cost-effective.

The purpose of the Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP) is to develop a solution for the disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines after they have left service with the Royal Navy. This Ministry of Defence project extends over a 60 year period and includes the provision of facilities to dismantle 27 defuelled nuclear submarines of past and current classes. It was formerly known as the ISOLUS (Interim Storage of Laid-Up Submarines) project.

Most of the material from each submarine will be recyclable; however, there will be some radioactive and non-radioactive hazardous wastes that will need to be dealt with, in keeping with strict legislative and regulatory requirements. The project includes the interim storage on land of the resulting Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste until it is transferred into a planned long-term geological disposal facility. It also includes the eventual decommissioning of the dismantling and storage facilities themselves.

News Release 18.06.10

The Submarine Dismantling Project has begun the first stage of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), which is a legal process whereby certain public plans and programmes are required to identify and consider potential environmental effects.

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