BAE Systems Astute Submarine Naming & Roll Out June 2007
The challenge was set. To produce the launch of the first Astute Class Submarine at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions in Barrow-in Furness. With a 12 month lead time the team were on a mission.
With the submarine measuring 100m long x 16m wide, the launch had to take place in Devonshire Dock Hall, the largest indoor submarine build facility in Europe. This nuclear facility requires the highest-level security checks on all staff and vehicles working onsite.
The event build took one week and involved 135 crew, 15 articulated lorries, 10 x 7.5 tonne trucks and 2 coaches to transport personnel.
From laying temporary flooring covering over 10,000m2, to installing a 100m2 LED Video Screen to enable viewing for over 11,000 people, to the construction of a carpeted 50m x 10m semi-permanent catering structure (complete with chandeliers) for 450 VIP’s, the launch required event and delegate management of the very highest level.
And this was just the daytime event. The evening celebration was a party for 7000 people, again within the nuclear facility. 3 live bands, including a 12 piece Soul Band performed on a 40m2 concert stage. To control the sound in the Devonshire Dock Hall, baffling drapes were hung from cranes over 100ft high and a further 2 x 25m2 LED Video Screens were rigged to the truss structure of the Concert Stage to aid audience visibility. A full buffet meal and bar facilities were provided for all 7,000 attendees. The evening concluded with a 20 minute firework display set to music.
The boat was launched by the Duchess of Cornwall and the event was covered live by all major UK Press and Television networks for features on Sky News, BBC and ITV.
7,000 launch DVD’s were produced containing all footage from the event and the Royal Navy, Rolls Royce and the Discovery Channel required specific footage for their own productions.
This event was commended in the “Best Event of the Year” category at the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) Awards Ceremony in June 2008.
“I would like to thank you, both personally and on behalf of our company, the professionalism, support and friendly cooperation yet again experienced during the planning and intense preparation for the launch and concert. You achieved so much in an extremely safe way, that itself is a huge success. I and my team truly enjoy working with you and I would greatly appreciate you passing my thanks to all involved.” Murray Easton - MD, Submarine Solutions
“This event certainly had its challenges from the start - right up to rolling out the submarine, fortunately we had the right company to overcome these! You came within budget and your team was extremely professional and an absolute delight to work with. The partnership between the onsite team here and yours was seamless. We certainly look forward to working with you all again for future launches and events.” Kerry Dixon - Internal Communications & Employee Events
