In 1998 Ministers approved an internal MOD study (known as the ISOLUS Investigation) to consider the options for interim storage of radioactive material from decommissioned nuclear powered submarines until a final national waste management facility became available. Project ISOLUS was subsequently established by the MOD and received Initial Gate approval in 2000. The project was renamed the Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP) in 2009 and is in the Assessment Phase.

The aim of the SDP is to develop and implement a solution for the dismantling of the UK’s de-fuelled nuclear powered submarines which inspires public confidence, is safe, environmentally responsible, secure and cost-effective.

In delivering this aim, the SDP is committed to the following:

We owe it to future generations to properly dispose of Royal Navy submarines when they come to the end of their service life. We are therefore determined to find a workable, transparent and fair solution for the dismantling of the submarines and the interim storage and final disposal of the resultant Intermediate Level radioactive waste.

There is a legal imperative for the SDP under Command 2919 (MOD Policy for Decommissioning and the Disposal of Radioactive Waste) that decommissioning operations should take place as soon as reasonably practicable.

MOD has an excellent record in the safe management of radioactive and hazardous waste and we are committed to delivering a solution that maintains that record.

We are committed to delivering a solution that minimises the impact on the environment and takes into account the views and concerns of all stakeholders (in particular, the public). The project extends over a 60 year period and includes the provision of facilities to dismantle 27 de-fuelled nuclear submarines (past and current classes). A significant proportion of the submarine will be recyclable, the remainder will be radioactive and non-radioactive waste that will be disposed of appropriately. The project includes the interim storage on land of the resultant Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) until at least 2040; and the eventual decommissioning of the dismantling and storage facilities themselves.

In March 2009 the Investment Appraisal Board (IAB) noted, through an Information Note, that the project would adopt a 6-phased approach. Currently in Phase 2, the SDP will conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) (including a Public Consultation) and a full PESTLE analysis to support recommendations on sites for dismantling and storage of ILW and procurement strategy (including down selection of the Tier 1 contractor). In Phase 3 design of the Demonstrator will be carried out ahead of seeking approval to commence full demonstration.

Main Gate approval is currently scheduled for December 2013. The assumed planning date to commence dismantling is June 2016.