MAJOR submarine projects being constructed in Barrow are on track but 'significant issues' need to be addressed, a government report has said.
Barrow's shipyard is working on the multi-billion pound Astute and Dreadnought submarines programmes.
Construction of the sixth and seventh Astute submarines, Agamemnon and Agincourt, is in advanced stages, with five boats already in service.
Meanwhile, production of three Dreadnought submarines, forming part of the UK's nuclear deterrent, is also underway.
A report on major infrastructure projects has rated the progress of both programmes.
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority annual report handed both projects an 'amber' rating, meaning 'successful delivery appears feasible but significant issues already exist, requiring management attention'.
"These appear resolvable at this stage and, if addressed promptly, should not present a cost/schedule overrun," the report added.
An update to parliament earlier said the Dreadnought programme was still within budget and on track for the first submarine, HMS Dreadnought, to enter service in the early 2030s.
Previous years have seen both projects handed lower ratings.
In 2017/18, the Astute programme was handed a red rating, meaning successful delivery appeared 'unachievable'.
In the same year the Dreadnought programme was given an 'amber/red' rating, meaning delivery of the project was 'in doubt, with major risks or issues apparent in a number of key areas' and 'urgent action' needed.
Earlier this year BAE marked the start of construction of the third Dreadnought submarine, Warspite, with a steel-cutting ceremony.
Steve Timms, the managing director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said at the time: "Today’s milestone is a really significant moment for the thousands of employees here at BAE Systems and across the submarines enterprise who are working together to deliver the Dreadnought Class.
In February HMS Anson, the fifth Astute Class submarine, sailed from Barrow to begin her journey to His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde.
A BAE Systems spokesman said: "We design, build, test and commission some of the most complex machines ever built, which operate in the most hostile environment on the planet, and are pleased the improvement in our programme delivery is reflected in the [2022-23 Infrastructure and Projects Authority] report.
"We will continue to work tirelessly to further progress our performance and to play our part in contributing to the UK’s national security."
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