UK Submarine Support Facility Opened By Defence Minister

Defence minister Maria Eagle has visited Bristol to officially open Babcock’s new Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH).

The collaborative facility brings together a range of Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) organisations including the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), the Royal Navy, and industry partners.

Shipbuilder Babcock is creating more than 100 new jobs at SASH, as per its press statement. Its CEO David Lockwood stood alongside Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle as she cut the ceremonial ribbon at yesterday’s (Thursday’s) opening.

The hub will help the DNE partners who operate, maintain, and renew the U.K. submarine fleet, including the nation’s independent nuclear deterrent, to work together more efficiently with Babcock and other contractors.

Babcock said the new roles, adding to the 400 already existing in the Hub, will include positions in engineering, project management, and business and data analysis. It’s hoped the SASH facility will drive better submarine availability and delivery.

Mr Lockwood described SASH as “an exemplar facility for defence collaboration” and added: “We are working alongside our customers and partners to provide long-term sustainable infrastructure in the South West that will not only host and support the important operations that protect our country but also provide career opportunities for people passionate about our industry.”

Ms Eagle described being asked to officially open SASH as “a privilege” and commented: “The investment in this new facility is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to making defence an engine for growth.

“This brand new facility will benefit the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which safeguards our security, and bolsters our country’s prosperity.”

And the SDA’s CEO Sir Chris Gardner said: “It offers a dedicated capability for the Submarine Delivery Agency and Babcock to undertake vital joint work which will support waterfront operations, as well as presenting an opportunity to develop future talent by providing placement roles for engineering students.”

• You can read more details on the MoD website and the Babcock website