Cammell Laird explores nuclear growth with £200k Industrial Strategy cash

Cammell Laird is ramping up activity in the nuclear sector after securing six-figure funding from the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The Merseyside-based engineering giant will use the £200k boost to develop its ability to build off-site modules for nuclear new-build projects.

Jonathan Brown, the managing director of Cammell Laird’s energy division, said the firm will now run Fit for Modules – a series of events to examine how best to build and test large modules off-site before moving them to nuclear sites for installation.

The company believes there are many advantages to building off-site, including cost savings, improved schedule times and not having to recruit a large temporary workforce to build on-site.

The project, led by Cammell Laird, has the backing of a number of industry organisations, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC), Arup, Laing O’Rourke and Fraser Nash.

Jonathan said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this funding for our Fit for Modules project.

“It allows Cammell Laird to apply its maritime experience in the nuclear industry, building on our extensive track record of building large modules of up to 5000 tonnes for the aircraft carrier programme and the Sir David Attenborough polar ship.”

He continued: “Our aim is to bring together key industry players, including end users and supply chain companies, to brainstorm the challenges and propose solutions.

“We plan to publish a final report with our findings in April next year detailing areas for improvement known as ‘interventions’. The report will then be considered by Government which will run further programmes to implement the agreed interventions.”

Speaking further, Jonathan said figuring out the best way to build a supply chain is a prime objective of the Fit for Modules project.

He added: “From Cammell Laird’s viewpoint it is essential we develop a robust reliable supply chain to support the construction of modules. That is precisely what we have developed for our maritime operations and what we want to replicate for nuclear new build.”

Finding significant cost efficiencies, he explained, will also be fundamental to the project’s success.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →