KierBAM joint venture (KBJV) has been appointed by Babcock International Group (Babcock), on behalf of the MOD’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), to support the delivery of a c.£600m programme of works, on 10 Dock, at their Devonport site in Plymouth.
The upgraded 10 Dock facility will provide vital enhancements to strengthen the UK’s defence resilience by enhancing Devonport’s capability to support the maintenance and availability of current and future submarine fleets.
Works include major civil infrastructure, including a water retaining boundary structure and nuclear licensed components, alongside extensive engineering works. This includes the construction of buttresses, new subways, and in-situ subway structures, plus the installation of rock anchors, dowels, reinforcement and a multi-tonne caisson.
KBJV is a key delivery partner within Babcock’s wider long-term investment programme at Devonport, which will see significant upgrades to infrastructure to meet the evolving requirements of the UK’s Royal Navy. The 10-Dock main works is being delivered by Babcock through their Major Nuclear Capital Programmes business unit at their Devonport facility.
This strategic win builds on the joint venture’s early contractor involvement (ECI) phase, which included the commissioning of a concrete batching plant, and development of key site infrastructure such as logistics, facilities, welfare and office accommodation.
Craig Small, managing director for Energy & Environment at Kier Infrastructure, said:
This is a critical piece of infrastructure to support the UK’s defence resilience, and builds on our experience across the UK’s nuclear and defence sectors. KBJV has worked at Babcock’s Devonport site for several years, and our longstanding experience and knowledge of the facility provides us with crucial expertise to support the development of the works taking place there. We are proud to be working with Babcock to deliver a project that will help meet the evolving needs of the Royal Navy and strengthen the UK’s long-term security, while supporting their commitment to creating lasting benefits for communities in and around Plymouth.
Ian Hubbard, Managing Director of Social Infrastructure, Nuclear and Defence at BAM UK and Ireland, comments:
With investment in defence now a growing priority for the UK government, the latest project secured under the KB joint venture marks an important step for not just our organisations, but the UK’s developing defence capabilities. Our ongoing work at Devonport serves the evolving requirements of the UK Royal Navy, helping to maintain and improve the availability of its current and future fleet. As a result, the delivery of our latest contract will play a direct role in the UK’s future security. With a long history of delivering complex projects for key partners in the defence and nuclear industries, we are proud to be combining our expertise with Babcock's at Devonport Royal Dockyard, and look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Kier.
Phil Brown, Managing Director for Major Nuclear Capital Programmes, Babcock said:
This contract award marks a major milestone for the 10 Dock programme and the beginning of the next phase of delivery. 10 Dock will provide critical infrastructure that enables deep maintenance of the Royal Navy's submarine fleet, helping to ensure the UK retains the capability, capacity and readiness required to meet future defence needs. We are delighted to continue working with KierBAM as we move into the next phase of this nationally important programme.
Rear Admiral Martyn Boyes, Director Submarine Support at the DNE, said:
Delivering the infrastructure needed to support our submarines is a shared endeavour across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and industry. This milestone at 10 Dock demonstrates the strong progress we are making with our industry partners and wider supply chain, underpinned by substantial MOD investment across the enterprise, to provide the capability the Royal Navy needs now and for the future.
Devonport Royal Dockyard, established in 1691, is co-located with HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe. The dockyard has supported the Royal Navy for more than 300 years and plays a critical role in maintaining the UK’s submarine fleet and supporting national defence capability.
As an important part of the UK Government’s wider DNE, focused on maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent and submarine capability, this project represents ongoing investment in the UK’s defence infrastructure and long-term operational requirements.
This appointment builds on KBJV’s longstanding involvement in the UK’s nuclear and defence sectors, where it has supported major programmes including civil engineering works at Hinkley Point C and ongoing works across Devonport Royal Dockyard.