Global engineering and built environment consultancy Arup, has been appointed by Costain as a key supply chain partner to deliver multidisciplinary design services on Sellafield Ltd.’s long-term Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP).
Under the contract, Costain will be responsible for managing and executing work related to the site’s utilities infrastructure as Utilities Delivery Partner, at the nuclear licensed site. Arup will support Costain as a key supply chain member. The contract consists of an initial term of nine years with an option to extend by a further six years
Arup will work with Costain to refurbish and replace a variety of on-site and off-site utility distribution systems and services to support the ongoing decommissioning work and the construction of new build infrastructure at Sellafield in Cumbria, the most complex industrial site in Europe. This will include steam, water, chemical, and compressed air networks, keeping the site fully operational to enable the safe management of the nuclear inventory and the long-term decommissioning programme.
This builds on Arup’s previous 15 years’ experience on the Infrastructure Strategic Alliance (ISA) at Sellafield, designing and delivering upgrades to critical infrastructure systems that have already helped improve site resilience and increased power availability.
Ann-Marie Cowperthwaite, Associate Director at Arup, commented: “Arup’s knowledge of the site combined with our extensive expertise in process and mechanical engineering enables us to plan for an extensive range of scenarios and complex system interdependencies. This will help assure all the right conditions for all the different utility elements of the site are maintained thereby enabling Sellafield to operate the site with greater safety, security, and confidence.
“A project of this duration also creates a crucial opportunity for local upskilling and training opportunities, fostering long-term workforce development. We look forward to working alongside Costain and other partners to provide integrated solutions throughout the site as well as career development opportunities for the next generation of engineers.”
Bob Anstey, Defence and Nuclear Energy Sector Director at Costain, said: “This project is about creating a sustainable future by safely decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy. We have a long and successful track record with Sellafield, with a highly qualified and experienced workforce that consistently works to the highest safety and quality standards.
“A key part of our role will be to help ensure the project leaves a positive legacy that improves lives and provides long-term benefits to local communities. We look forward to working closely with Sellafield, Arup and our supply chain partners to deliver high-quality utilities upgrades in a complex working environment.”
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