'New oil fuel jetty' coming to HMNB Portsmouth with Fountain Lake Jetty to be rebuilt for Royal Navy
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Billions of pounds has been allocated to enhancement much of the infrastructure at various Royal Navy bases
New developments to Portsmouth’s Royal Navy base have been announced in the Defence Investment Plan (Dip).
The document said Project Royal Oak will see “the biggest naval base upgrade for over 45 years” be funded. A total of £26bn has been allocated for enhancements at HMNB Portsmouth, HMNB Faslane in Scotland, and HMNB Devonport in Plymouth.
In the first four years of the plan, the Dip also said technical capital works will be taking place, which includes new munitions infrastructure works in Gosport. Major projects include building “an oil fuel jetty at Portsmouth to support naval operations and commencement of the rebuild of the Fountain Lake Jetty in Portsmouth”, the Dip said.
Outlining later investments, it added: “Between 2030 and 2035, we plan to invest at least £51bn across the Defence estate. Infrastructure spending will remain focused on delivering a balanced estate that enables the Integrated Force to live, work, and train in a manner appropriate to the demands we place upon them.
“Investment will continue through a broad portfolio of UK and overseas programmes, with Project Royal Oak sustaining and enhancing core maritime infrastructure. Critical capabilities will be supported, including the surface fleet in Portsmouth, combat air through replacement of runways and taxiways, Army barracks.”
Dr Matthew Heaslip, Senior Lecturer in Naval History at the University of Portsmouth, said this infrastructure investment is excellent and necessary to regenerate naval ships as quickly as possible. He added that this could give the UK an edge over potential enemies.
He told The News: “They haven’t had enough investment for decades. This will help keep three or four Type 45s available at any one time, rather than one, more of a case in point with the submarines.”
Dr Matthew Powell, Teaching Fellow in Strategic and Air Power Studies at the University of Portsmouth, added that investment into HMNB Portsmouth and other naval bases “is a welcome signal, not only in the preparedness of the UK but in the creation of new jobs in the area”.
Previous improvements to HMNB Portsmouth were promised during Project Bentham. Upgrades included increasing the number of operational jetties and ship berths. This is an effort to to increase ship availability and protect the site from rising sea levels.