A NUCLEAR submarine maintenance project is in limbo despite fears about the state of the “horror show” fleet.
Plans are in place to purchase new floating docks for Faslane to aid the upkeep of Trident nuclear submarines, but the UK Government has confirmed no date has been set to invite companies to bid to provide them.
The plans form part of scheme the UK Government has called Programme Euston, which remains in its “concept phase” according to a written answer to a question from Labour, first revealed by the UK Defence Journal.
In response to a question from shadow defence secretary John Healy, the MoD revealed no date had been set for the tender process for buying the new floating docks.
READ MORE: Fresh Trident safety fears as submarines' 'life expectancy' extended repeatedly
Defence Minister James Cartlidge said: “An early market engagement notice was published on November 7, 2023 for Programme Euston.
“This engagement will inform the delivery strategy required to procure the planned out of water engineering maintenance facility at His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde.
“Following completion of the market engagement exercise this year, the Ministry of Defence intends to initiate a procurement programme for this additional capability.
“Programme Euston is currently in its concept phase and no date has yet been set for the tender process.”
It comes amid mounting concern over the state of Britain’s nuclear arsenal, sparked when former top Government adviser Dominic Cummings spoke publicly about the “horror show” fleet.
The Sunday National revealed earlier this month the life expectancy of two nuclear submarines has continually been pushed back going beyond the upper limit of what was predicted for the vessels more than a decade ago, even with life-extension measures.
In response to a separate written question from Labour, the MoD revealed it had found the floating docks, which allow repairs to take place out of the water, were “required” for the future upkeep of nuclear submarines.
Cartlidge said: “The Ministry of Defence has conducted an assessment on its docking needs. This assessment has identified that two floating docks are required to enhance the out of water maintenance capability and meet future demand for submarine maintenance at His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde.”
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