AUKUS timeline concerns after fire at major UK submarine shipyard

A fire at a major UK shipyard has sparked concerns about whether the AUKUS submarines will be delivered on time.

A blaze at the UK’s sole nuclear submarine manufacturing facility is sparking concerns build timelines for the AUKUS submarines could be delayed.

Two staff members were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at the BAE Systems nuclear shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness early on Wednesday (local time), according to the weapons maker.

A large blaze at the UK’s sole nuclear submarine manufacturing facility is sparking concerns of an AUKUS delay. Picture: X / @gabisdbr

While local police said there was “no nuclear risk”, residents were told to bunker down and keep their windows and doors shut.

The BAE shipyard, the second-largest of its kind in Europe, is where the SSN-AUKUS is being designed.

It was also set to build the UK’s fleet of the new nuclear-powered vessels.

The extent of the damage to the giant shipyard is unclear. Picture: X / @gabisdbr [https://x.com/gabisdbr/status/1851454824467812720/photo/2]

But with the extent of the damage to the mega-sized facility uncertain, the shipyard’s capability and possible flow-on effects are unknown, including the production timelines of Australia’s own SSN-AUKUS fleet in Adelaide.

Australia is set to build five of the nuclear-powered submarines.

BAE has limited personnel at its Barrow-in-Furness shipyard to essential workers only.

Australia is set to build five SSN-AUKUS submarines.

The Australian Submarine Agency said it was in touch with its counterparts.

“We are aware of a fire on site in Barrow-in-Furness and are in contact with our counterparts in the United Kingdom,” a spokesperson for the agency told NewsWire.

Under the current timeline, BAE would finish building Australia’s first SSN-AUKUS in the early 2040s.

NewsWire has contacted BAE Australia for comment.