GRAHAM has officially broken ground on the new Vertical Embarkation System (VES) facility at RNAD Coulport, supporting the UK’s future Dreadnought-class submarine programme.
As construction partner, Kier Graham Defence (KGD) is delivering this significant infrastructure project, which will play a vital role in supporting future submarine operations at HMNB Clyde.
With initial piling now underway, the facility is expected to be operational within the next two years.
Staff from the Superintendent’s office, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Deputy Head Infrastructure (DHI), Submarine Support Team (SMST), and Babcock Torpedo Loading Party staff, joined to mark the occasion.
Building 300 at the site will house the Vertical Embarkation System, or VES, a new facility used to load tactical weapons onto future Dreadnought-class deterrent submarines.
This milestone highlights the strength of collaboration between our teams and our defence sector partners, and we’re excited to see the project progress from concept to reality.
Naval Base Commander Clyde Commodore Andy Bray said:
“I am thrilled to be able to break ground on this fantastic facility. It will be a much-needed and exciting addition to the Coulport landscape, and I, for one, look forward to seeing the building when it comes to life.”