Last updated 15:43, Tuesday, 14 October 2008

SHIPYARD workers are preparing to relaunch Astute after loading nuclear fuel into the reactor that will power the vessel.

The operation was carried out in the Devonshire Dock Hall, where the submarine returned a year ago for further work.

The process was carried out by a team of 40 specially-trained people, working 12-hour shifts.

It was the first such operation since the last Vanguard class sub, HMS Vengeance, was fuelled in 1998.

But Astute’s nuclear reactor is not expected to be switched on until next year.

BAE confirmed: “Loading of the core for the first of class submarine Astute involved the team overcoming a range of issues arising from the additional checks introduced for the Astute class and the long gap since the last core load for the Vanguard class of submarines.

“Astute was loaded safely with no contamination issues and with zero weld defects.”

A scarcity of government submarine orders had left the workforce out of practise in nuclear fuelling.

So, to bring the BAE team back up to speed with the required skills, a special core loading training facility was set up and an externally-verified training programme was run.

Training also had to ensure the operation met new safety regulations added since 1998.

Reactor area manager Mark Newsham said: “It was a real tribute to those involved and a great achievement, of which everyone should be proud.”

BAE says iodine tablets and warnings will be issued to residents of Barrow Island and other nearby areas well before the nuclear reactor is started up.

That is not expected until the new year.

The tighter rules on new nuclear subs at Barrow also mean that when Astute leaves town next year for sea trials, it won’t return for faults snagging.

Instead, the work will be finished at the big submarine base in Faslane.

Astute’s lady sponsor, the Duchess of Cornwall, is due in Barrow a week today to meet the Royal Navy crew and their families, and to go on board.