HMNB Clyde

Submarine Berthing Facility

Client

Location

Duration

Value

£120m

MoD

UK

24 mths

Overview

At HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland, the Royal Navy required a new berthing facility to accommodate the advanced Astute-class submarines—the largest and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the fleet. We were engaged to support the specialist structural and nuclear design consultant in delivering this highly complex and safety-critical programme.

The Challenge

The project had been underway for several years when scope variations and delays threatened stakeholder confidence in the delivery of the nuclear safety case. The integrated project team needed decisive leadership to restore programme credibility and ensure compliance with stringent nuclear safety standards, while also addressing contractual and financial pressures.

Our Approach

We took a proactive leadership role, coordinating closely with the integrated project team on site and directing the consultant’s home-based design team. Our responsibilities included:

  • Steering the completion of the nuclear safety case design to meet programme requirements.

  • Reconciling variations in scope that had arisen since the commission began three years earlier.

  • Strengthening management controls and submitting the Design Brief to regulatory authorities.

  • Negotiating on behalf of the consultant to secure recognition for the additional work undertaken.

The Outcome

Through focused programme management and stakeholder engagement, we successfully delivered the critical nuclear safety case design on schedule. In addition, we restored client and stakeholder confidence in the consultant’s performance and negotiated £2.1 million in additional design fees, ensuring fair compensation for the expanded scope of work.