BARROW - HAS WORLD CLASS OUTFITTING COMMISSIONING AND TEST FACILITIES FOR NUCLEAR POWERED SUBMARINES AND LARGE WARSHIPS

Integration test and commissioning is increasingly undertaken as a part of module assembly prior to insertion in submarines. Barrow has unique expertise in integrating, testing and commissioning large warships so that they can play a key role in network centric warfare.                       

The outfit facilities at Barrow's Buccleuch Dock are available to commission large warships. They were used to facilitate test and commissioning of HMS Albion, HMS Bulwark and diesel electric submarines for the Canadian Navy. 

Buccleuch Dock

Barrow's outfit locations in Buccleuch Dock can accommodate ships of 213m x 29.3m beam

Barrow port entrance lock has a 30m width, capable of admitting a 29.3m beam vessel at the level of dock coping into Buccleuch Dock for final outfit, test and commissioning using large dockside crane support. Two large ships can be outfitted at onece in this dock.

Devonshire Dock Wet Berth

For submarines there are wet berths and 'deep dive' facilities in Devonshire Dock adjacent to the modular outfit facility, Devonshire Dock Hall. The 24,000 tonne ship lift enables all aspects of diesel, electronic or nuclear powered submarine commissioning to be effected.

 Deep Water Berth

The Deep Water Berth lies outside Barrow Dock system in Walney Channel. It can accommodate ships that are 300m long and 40m beam.  The largest outfit undertaken there involved the 100,000 tonne displacement tanker 'British Admiral'. With limited preparatory dredging the berth could be used to outfit very large warships.