Canadian firms chosen to supply reactor parts
Vancouver-based shipbuilding firm Seaspan ULC has been selected by Westinghouse to supply components for its AP1000 and AP300 reactors, while Montreal-based Velan Inc will supply valves to GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy for its first BWRX-300 small modular reactor.
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Westinghouse and Seaspan ULC announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to support nuclear new-build projects in Canada and around the world. Under the agreement, Seaspan has the potential to manufacture key AP1000 and AP300 reactor components, including pipe spools and steel structures.
With three shipyards in British Columbia and a dedicated workforce of 4000 employees, Seaspan is a leader in shipbuilding, maintenance, and ship repair with experience in delivering complex manufacturing projects. "This aligns well with the requirements of large-scale capital projects such as AP1000 and AP300 reactors," Westinghouse said.
"Seaspan's proven experience in custom, high-quality fabrication and manufacturing in support of both our large shipbuilding and our complex repair and overhaul projects has positioned Seaspan to pursue work in adjacent markets, such as the nuclear industry," said Dave Hargreaves, senior vice president of strategy, business development and communications at Seaspan Shipyards. "We look forward to working with Westinghouse to deliver this new capability."
"We are proud to establish this new relationship with Seaspan and bring them into our network of more than 450 Canadian suppliers," said Westinghouse Energy Systems President Dan Lipman. "Seaspan's manufacturing expertise and ability to deliver on large-scale projects will make it a valuable partner to support advanced reactor projects in Canada and beyond."
Meanwhile, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) announced it has selected Velan Inc to provide engineering support and manufacture valves for the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR).
"Our collaboration with Velan will further strengthen the robust and experienced Canadian nuclear supply chain and bring economic benefits to the country," said Sean Sexstone, executive vice president, advanced nuclear, GEH. "It also positions Velan to be a strategic supplier as our technology is deployed globally. We will continue to look for opportunities to work with Canadian suppliers to support the deployment of the BWRX-300."
"Velan's involvement in this project highlights our decades-long leadership in the nuclear power sector," said Velan Chairman and CEO James Mannebach. "As we approach our 75th anniversary in 2025, we are remarkably well-positioned to support this landmark project and help shape the future of Canada's nuclear energy landscape through small modular reactor technology."
GEH and Ontario Power Generation are developing the first BWRX-300 at OPG's Darlington site. Early site preparation work has been completed with construction expected to start in 2025 and commercial operation to commence by the end of 2029. A total of four 300 MWe units are planned for the Darlington site.
