1993, the Cold War had been ended for some time and the decision had already been taken that the Royal Navy's submarine flotilla for the future would be all nuclear. Any thoughts of a further 6 Upholder boats had long been forgotten. Indeed, as relations with the USSR improved, even the new Upholder Class was subsequently deemed surplus to UK requirements. Inevitably, the Cammell Laird yard was closed by VSEL upon completion of the Upholder Build Programme.
Brought back to Barrow after only nominal service with the Royal Navy, the four Upholder Class were laid up under a Care and Maintenance contract placed with VSEL until a buyer could be found.
