The Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards Group of The Netherlands to replace the SKB nuclear cargo vessel 'Sigyn', which has served the Swedish nuclear waste programme since the beginning of the 1980s.
From 2013, a new vessel specially designed to meet strict environmental and safety specifications will take over this task.
The new ship will be built to meet very high requirements in terms of both safety and the environment. For instance, the new vessel will have redundancy in its propulsion systems, with six smaller fuel-efficient engines. It will also be fitted with a selective catalytic refining system for the best possible fuel economy and least possible environment impact.
"Bearing in mind the cargo that the ship will carry, our high demands on safety and environmental protection are self evident," said SKB President Claes Thegerström.
"Following a prudent negotiating process, we have been able to sign a contract with the Damen Shipyards Group. Damen is a large company with an excellent reputation, with extensive experience of building ships of different types and sizes.
"Like its predecessor, the new ship will be unique in a number of ways. It is here that Damen have come up with a good concept of their own and listened carefully to the requirements we have put specified."
SKB's current ship the 'Sigyn' will continue to transport spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste from Swedish nuclear power stations to SKB's facilities.
"The 'Sigyn' has provided a safe and efficient service since the beginning of the 1980s and will continue to do so for several years to come," said Claes Thegerström.