JV gets in on £125m nuclear decommissioning framework
A 10-year framework agreement for the £125m accelerated clean-up of the Sellafield nuclear site in West Cumbria has been awarded to a joint venture between Amec Foster Wheeler, Hertel (UK) and Shepley Engineers.
Sellafield Ltd awarded the deal under the new Decomissioning Delivery Partnership to support the programme.
The agreement will help prepare the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo (MSSS) facility as it moves to a new phase of retrieving waste from its compartments.
Due to the age of the building, asset care work also forms an integral part of the scope and the joint venture will also help support Sellafield ‘s strategic planning and design capability.
The joint venture partners have been working collaboratively at Sellafield through the existing Multi-Discipline Site Works (MDSW) framework. Under the new agreement, they will continue to share knowledge and experience and allocate work accordingly to provide the necessary skills.
A key factor in being part of the framework was the commitment by the joint venture partners to support the Cumbrian economy by using local sub-contractors and creating jobs, apprenticeships and skills development opportunities.
Tom Foster, chief decommissioning Officer at Sellafield Ltd, said: “The Decommissioning Delivery Partnership is going to be a crucial part of our mission to reduce the risk on the Sellafield site by getting waste out of high-hazard facilities as soon as possible.
“Work on the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo is a key part of this mission and we look forward to working with Amec Foster Wheeler, Hertel (UK) Ltd, and Shepley Engineers Ltd over the next decade to ensure this work delivers benefits not only on the site but also in the wider community.”
Andy White, vice president of Amec Foster Wheeler’s Decommissioning business, said: “The safe and cost-effective clean-up of the Sellafield site is a vital part of the NDA’s mission and this joint venture brings world-class expertise to face what is a huge challenge.
“This work will enable the partner companies, all of whom have a significant presence in Cumbria, to sustain the local workforce and continue to provide training and development opportunities.”
David Fitzsimons, Hertel UK managing director, said: “This is a hugely significant piece of work as part of the clean-up of Sellafield.
“During the last two years, we have developed a close working relationship with our partners and Sellafield Ltd and together we have been able to demonstrate our ability to deliver real value for money in a safe and efficient manner.”
Hendry O’Reilly, director at Shepley Engineers, added: “Along with our two delivery partners we are delighted to have won the opportunity to be playing an integral part in supporting Sellafield in delivery of their primary mission.”
