31/5/2006 - New nuclear submarine powers ahead

Political and business organisations in Cumbria have welcomed the news that BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness has announced a launch date for the first of class Astute nuclear powered attack submarine.

The Navy's most advanced vessel will emerge from the Devonshire Dock Hall for the first time on 8 June 2007 - and will go into the water seven weeks ahead of schedule.

"This is a real success story for Barrow - the Astute programme has driven the renaissance of the yard and has been vital in securing jobs for the region," said Councillor Timothy Heslop, Cumbria County Council's cabinet member responsible for economic development.

"We are delighted that the BAE Systems workforce led by Murray Easton has been able to achieve outstanding productivity and deliver on its targets ahead of schedule," said Stuart Klosinski, Industrial Development Manager of Furness Enterprise Limited.

The Astute Class are the biggest and most powerful attack submarines ever ordered for the Royal Navy. They will come into service from the end of this decade and will replace the capability currently provided by the Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines. 

Around 5,500 people at sites across the UK are working on Astute related programmes, including 3,000 directly employed on the project in Barrow. 

Bill Joughin, leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: "This exemplary project proves that Barrow can deliver world-class vessels on schedule and hopefully trigger the urgently-needed further orders of Astute class submarines. It's almost exactly a year away, but excitement is already building about the launch. With a senior Royal, hundreds of VIP guests and tens of thousands of people from the town, it will all add up to be a big day in the spotlight for Barrow."