Dockyard is taken off 'special measures'

NUCLEAR WATCHDOG SAYS 'REQUIRED SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS' NOW MADE

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

PLYMOUTH’S Devonport Dockyard has been taken out of special measures after proving its nuclear submarine work is safe.

The facility had been in “enhanced regulatory attention” since 2014 due to safety issues linked to ageing facilities, organisational capability and control of work.

But now the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) watchdog has said that Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd (DRDL) has returned to “routine regulatory attention” following safety improvements.

Due to what it called “sustained safety improvements” by the licensee at the Plymouth site, ONR has taken DRDL out of enhanced attention after “an extended period of increased regulatory focus”.

It said DRDL has shown it has the capability and capacity to deliver sustainable safety performance during its construction activities and submarine maintenance.