BWXT tapped for nuclear reactor components, fuel

LYNCHBURG, Va., April 27 (UPI) -- U.S. Navy contracts for nuclear reactor components and nuclear fuel have been given to subsidiaries of BWX Technologies Inc.

BWXT said Wednesday that the award for the supply of nuclear reactor components was given to BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, while the nuclear fuel contract was given to its Nuclear Fuel Services Inc.

The awards have a combined value of $3.1 billion. About $1.2 billion has been received this year, while the bulk of the remaining contract awards are expected to be received in 2017 and 2018, subject to annual congressional appropriations, the company said.

The awards were issued under the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

"We look forward to providing the critical nuclear components and fuel that power the Navy's submarines and aircraft carriers and help keep the United States and its allies safe," said Peyton S. (Sandy) Baker, BWXT's president and chief executive officer. "The awards of these contracts demonstrate the continued reliability placed on BWXT to execute this important work for the U.S. government in a safe and cost-effective manner."

The manufacture of reactor components will mainly support Ford-class carrier construction, Nimitz-class carrier refueling, Virginia-class submarine construction, and preliminary Ohio-class submarine replacement work.

At NFS, the primary scope of work includes the manufacture and delivery of fuel and support activities for the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, as well as development of material for future Naval Reactors programs.