Milestone in Naval Infrastructure and Future Readiness of HMNB Portsmouth
KBS Maritime has marked a significant milestone in the regeneration of D Lock, pivotal for the future Royal Navy (RN) operations with the successful move of D Lock’s West Caisson onto the outer stop for the first time in a decade. The multi-million pound D Lock project is set to span over two years and is part of a wider Locks and Docks programme ensuring that the dock facilities at HMNB Portsmouth meet the evolving needs of modern naval vessels like the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates.
Significant preparations have been underway since early 2025 to reach this milestone. KBS Maritime’s divers carried out a crucial silt removal operation to facilitate the West Caisson’s movement while safeguarding local wildlife. At the same time, the East Road Deck was resurfaced to enable it to become the main route and to ensure smooth traffic flow during the programme.
The successful move of D Lock’s West Caisson onto the outer stop signals the beginning of extensive civil engineering works, including Caisson replacements, dock floor repairs, lock wall maintenance, the installation of a sonar pit, and new electrical systems infrastructure.
James Davis, Managing Director at KBS Maritime, stated, “The regeneration programme represents the UK Defence’s dedication to maintaining strong and adaptable dock facilities. This two-year programme aims to provide a robust infrastructure that will support the Royal Navy’s strategic and operational needs for many years to come. I am incredibly proud of our approach to reach this milestone, which has involved almost all our disciplines – from Engineering to Operations and Maintenance, and of course, the Programme and Project teams.”
As the regeneration programme progresses, the collaboration and expertise of KBS Maritime’s diverse teams will be pivotal in achieving future proofing HMNB Portsmouth. This initiative not only underscores the commitment to enhancing the UK’s naval capabilities but also highlights the importance of modernising infrastructure to accommodate the technological advancements of the future Royal Navy.
