Work to dismantle Rosyth’s redundant nuclear subs will start “imminently”.
The seven subs have been stored at the Fife yard for many years but plans are now well advanced for their removal.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “As a responsible nuclear operator, the MoD has a safe, secure and environmentally sound programme to dismantle submarines when they come to the end of their life, and continues to invest in the maintenance of the skills and facilities necessary.”
It is part of the MoD submarine dismantling project which will deliver a “safe, secure and environmentally responsible” solution to dismantle submarines when they come to the end of their life.
The dismantling of nuclear-powered submarines and the storage of the resultant intermediate level radioactive waste has never been undertaken by the UK before.
Last July the MoD announced Cheshire-based Capenhurst Nuclear Services would be the site where the intermediate level nuclear waste would be stored in the interim, laying the groundwork for the next phase to remove the waste.
The MoD said the installation of facilities and processes are well advanced to start removing waste from the first submarine in Rosyth.
A spokesman said: “As a responsible nuclear operator the MoD is committed to dealing with issues in a safe and environmentally sound manner that meets strict regulations and inspires public confidence.
“We have, therefore, consulted a wide range of experts, regulatory bodies, non-governmental organisations and the general public to ensure the SDP identifies the best solution to deal with dismantling and storage.
“This takes time, but once the solution and processes for dealing with these issues are in place we expect to dismantle the submarines at a rate of one submarine per year.”
Waste will be stored in the interim by Capenhurst until being finally disposed of in a geological disposal facility – expected to be after 2040.
Local MP Douglas Chapman raised the issue of nuclear subs and their dismantling at the defence select committee this week.
The SNP MP said: “After a number of false starts by the UK Government on removing these submarines from our waters, I hope that we see work begin soon that would see Rosyth’s seven nuclear subs dismantled, with any intermediate and residual nuclear waste removed for treatment and storage in Cheshire.
“It is critical that this work is done as efficiently and as safely as possible.
“When asked if the UK Government could commit to dismantling more than one submarine per year, they said that their neither had the finance or the skilled nuclear engineers to deliver to that timescale.”
