A new dockside edge structure (cope) with service subways to carry piping and cables was constructed on top of the counterforts. The old dock was considerably narrowed by lining with counterfort walls constructed on top of the new dock floor.

The original dock floor was removed and a new floor with integral drainage system was constructed and fitted with a cradle to secure the submarine. Very robust structures are needed and systems such as cooling water and electrical power need to have multiple backups in the event of failure.īetween 19 the adjacent number 9 Dock was refurbished to conduct refits and refuelling of the Vanguard-class submarines. The requirement to withstand a severe earthquake (Considered likely to happen, just once in 10,000 years in Plymouth) is particularly demanding from an engineering perspective. Stringent modern regulations require that the nuclear facilities must have redundant systems and be able to withstand earthquakes, high tides and high winds. Number 10 Dock is the biggest dry dock at Devonport and Babcock Marine, who operate the yard, have plans for a complete refurbishment to create a second facility certified to take the largest nuclear submarines. Here we examine the context and reasons for the upgrade. Plans to convert another dry dock in Devonport to refit the Dreadnought class submarines were recently revealed in an outline planning application.

World of warships submarines removed