The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has granted a nuclear vessel licence for a US nuclear powered submarine, the USS San Juan, to visit Simonstown Naval Base.
The NNR granted the licence to the South African Navy, which made the application on behalf of the US Navy for the vessel to enter Simonstown Naval Base during the period October 25 to November 15.
The NNR said on Tuesday that after review and assessment the application had been found to be compliant to all aspects of the regulatory requirements.
Environmental sampling had been conducted before the vessel's arrival and further sampling would be conducted in the harbour during berth and after the vessel had left.
This was to ensure that there were "no adverse radiological impacts" to the Simonstown environment.
The SA Navy said the USS San Juan would dock in Simonstown on Wednesday at 2pm.
It said the US naval submarine's visit formed part of the SA Navy's objective of maintaining and enhancing international contact with US naval forces.
The USS San Juan is the 40th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the first improved submarine in her class.
The USS San Juan and all following submarines in the class are quiet, incorporate an advanced BSY-1 sonar suite combat system and have the ability to lay mines from their torpedo tubes.
The USS San Juan is the third ship of the US Navy to be named after San Juan, Puerto Rico. - Sapa