We are committed to the timely development and implementation of a solution for the dismantling of the UK's defuelled nuclear powered submarines which inspires public confidence, is safe, environmentally responsible, secure and cost-effective.

In 1998 Ministers approved an internal MOD study (known as the ISOLUS Investigation) to consider the options for interim storage of radioactive material from decommissioned nuclear powered submarines until a final national waste management facility became available. Project ISOLUS was subsequently established by the MOD in 2000. The project is now known as the Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP).

The project extends over a 60 year period and includes the provision of facilities to dismantle 27 defuelled nuclear submarines (past and current classes). A significant proportion of the submarine will be recyclable, the remainder will be radioactive and non-radioactive waste that will be disposed of appropriately based on HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and NDA (Nuclear Decommissioning Authority) guidelines. The project includes the interim storage on land of the resultant intermediate level waste (ILW) until at least 2040; and the eventual decommissioning of the dismantling and storage facilities themselves.