NESL secures long term strategy agreement with BNG for Sellafield Waste Retrieval Machines

In an unprecedented move to ensure the long term delivery of waste retrievals from the B38 storage facility at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) have agreed a  long term strategy with the British Nuclear Group (BNG) which will span the complete life of the project. 

As the key subcontractor to BNG for the Sellafield Solid Waste Storage Facility (SWSF) Silo Emptying Plant (SEP) Waste Retrieval Machines, this strategy fully reflects the ongoing commitment of Nuclear Engineering Services Ltd (NESL) to deliver design solutions above and beyond expectations within programme and budget.

The three SEP Waste Retrieval Machines, designated Mobile Caves, which are currently being constructed, tested and trialled at the NESL works in Wolverhampton, will be used to empty the compartments of waste for processing at the Sellafield Drypack Plant (SDP).  The Mobile Caves are designed to extract Intermediate Level Waste directly from the silos in the B38 storage facility.  When assembled, each will weigh approximately 400t, with overall dimensions of 11m x 5m x 6m.

Commenting on the long term contract, NESL’s Chairman, Brett Cooper said, “NESL welcomes the current drive from the NDA to perform above and beyond expectations as this is inherent in the strategies that drive our business.  Repeated performance to these expectations has been a key factor to the approval of a long term strategy agreement to deliver the Sellafield Solid Waste Storage Facility SEP Waste Retrieval Machines - Mobile Caves, under a Through Life Contract.”

He added, “This is an unprecedented position that reflects the NESL commitment to delivery and, in turn, our client’s confidence in that delivery”.

For further information visit: www.nes-limited.com