Sarens Achieves 1,000 Days Without Lost-Time Accidents on Barracuda Submarine Programme
- Meagan Wood
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
30 Second Takeaway
Sarens has reached a major safety milestone on the Barracuda submarine programme in Cherbourg, achieving 1,000 days without a lost-time accident and receiving formal recognition from Naval Group for its long-term commitment to safety excellence.
Sarens 1,000 Days Without Lost-Time Accidents Barracuda Programme
Sarens in France has been honoured by Naval Group for achieving 1,000 consecutive days without a lost-time accident on one of France’s most complex industrial projects the Barracuda-class submarine construction programme at the Cherbourg site.
The recognition was presented during the Naval Group Partners Meeting Santé et Sécurité au Travail, held on 27 November 2025, where Sarens received the “Trophée Naval Group Partners Meeting” for outstanding safety performance.
Recognition of Long-Term Safety Performance
This marks the third time Sarens has been recognised by Naval Group for exemplary safety standards, following previous awards in 2013 and 2021.
According to Naval Group, the 2025 award reflects not only the milestone itself, but also the consistency and maturity of Sarens’ safety culture, particularly on a programme where lifting precision and risk control are critical at every stage.
Supporting the Barracuda Submarine Programme Since 2007
Sarens has supported Naval Group in Cherbourg since 2007, delivering critical lifting, handling, and component transfer operations essential to the construction and assembly of the Barracuda-class submarines.
The working environment is highly constrained and technically demanding, where:
Every movement must be executed with absolute precision
Operational tolerances are minimal
There is no margin for error
The programme involves tens of thousands of handling movements each year, although exact operational figures remain confidential.
Safety Management Embedded in Daily Operations
To manage this complexity, Sarens has implemented a rigorous Safety Management System on site, led by two full-time safety managers dedicated exclusively to the Cherbourg operations.
Key elements of the approach include:
Continuous on-site supervision
Clear, standardised lifting and handling procedures
Daily engagement with operational teams
Strong alignment between engineering, planning, and execution
This structure ensures that safety is not treated as a target, but as a constant operational discipline.
Recognising the Teams Behind the Milestone
Sarens said the achievement is first and foremost a reflection of the professionalism and discipline of its riggers, lifting specialists, and crane operators working on the Cherbourg site.
For both Sarens in France and the wider Sarens Group, the recognition reinforces a shared belief that in heavy lifting and handling, there is no plan B.
With the 1,000-day milestone reached, Sarens said it is now aligned with Naval Group’s CAP 3.0 objectives:
0 Accidents
0 Delays
0 Quality Defects
About Sarens
Sarens is a global leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and project logistics, supporting complex industrial, energy, infrastructure, and defence projects worldwide. Founded in 1955, the family-owned group operates one of the world’s largest fleets of cranes and transport equipment.
Sarens is recognised internationally for its engineering expertise, safety culture, and ability to execute technically demanding operations in highly regulated environments.
Website: https://www.sarens.com/
About Naval Group
Naval Group is a major international defence contractor specialising in naval defence systems, including submarines, surface vessels, and associated services. The company plays a central role in France’s naval industrial base and works closely with long-term partners to deliver complex, high-security programmes.
Website: https://www.naval-group.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What milestone has Sarens achieved on the Barracuda programme?
Sarens achieved 1,000 consecutive days without a lost-time accident on the Barracuda submarine construction programme in Cherbourg.
Who awarded Sarens for this achievement?
The recognition was awarded by Naval Group during its Partners Meeting focused on health and workplace safety.
How long has Sarens been working at the Cherbourg site?
Sarens has supported Naval Group in Cherbourg since 2007.
Why is safety particularly critical on this project?
The programme involves highly complex lifting and handling operations with no margin for error, requiring absolute precision and strict safety discipline.
