Why refueling a nuclear submarine can take more than three years

Refueling a nuclear submarine is an exceptionally complex and time-consuming process that can take up to three years or more. Unlike conventional refueling, nuclear submarine refueling involves removing the vessel from water, powering it down, and accessing the reactor core, which is deeply embedded within the submarine’s hull and shielded for radiation protection. This requires dismantling major components, including shielding, panels, cables, and bolts, all meticulously logged and inspected by a specialized team of experts in radiation safety, nuclear engineering, and naval architecture. The intricate nature of this operation, combined with the need for a radiation-shielded facility, contributes to its high cost and lengthy duration. The actual refueling involves replacing the highly enriched uranium fuel in the reactor core, but this is not the primary reason submarines resurface, as a small amount of fuel can power them for decades. Instead, refueling periods are often used to perform extensive overhauls and upgrades to the submarine’s systems to keep pace with evolving military technologies