AEA Technology, Risley, is at the forefront of a £30m contract to advise the Ministry of Defence on safety in nuclear submarines.

The Risley team will provide technical analysis, as part of the contract. Its work will cover areas such as design, operation, procurement, repair and manintenance of the UK fleet of nuclear submarines.

The five-year contract covers the safety of pressurised water reactors on board submarines, and also associated shore support facilities, but not weapons.

A core team of 100 personnel at Risley is involved, along with other staff, managed out of Risley, and based at two dockyards and three naval bases.

Said Mike Pilbeam, director of operations and safety at Risley said the contract reflected the company's long history of safety advice.

He said the crucial points were that the company provided independent advice, and technical competence. "This is an important, high profile project," said Mike.

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