The audit was conducted under the IRCS (International Contractor's Safety Rating System) by Det Norske Veritas and British Nuclear Group Project Services at the Aker Kvaerner Stockton office and at the Dungeness A Power Station site in Kent, UK. Aker Kvaerner achieved the highest score of any British Nuclear Group contractor assessed to date.

"The audit provided us with a thorough and independent evaluation of our HSE management systems. We are very pleased with the high score achieved," said Project Leader, David Faulkner.

Aker Kvaerner is carrying out waste retrieval contracts at the Dungeness Power Station as part of the ongoing Station Decommissioning Programme. Its current assignment, valued at around GBP 3.5 million, involves modifications to the lugs vaults and installation of equipment for further waste retrieval operations. The work comprises engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of FED (Fuel Element Debris) Waste Retrieval Equipment.

The project approach is based on the use of a waste retrieval and sorting philosophy as previously utilised by Aker Kvaerner on similar projects. "The approach is safety-driven and cost-effective," added Project Manager Alan Ainsley.

It is the second project of its kind to be secured in the last three years and continues the firm's long-term relationship with British Nuclear Group, as confirmed by Mark Leggett, President of the AK Engineering Services business. "Our strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards in HSE is evidenced in the Audit result. This combined with our in-house technical expertise and experience in the nuclear sector will be significant factors in helping us to continue our established position in the industry."

ENDS

 

 

Media: Torbjorn Andersen, SVP Group Communications, Aker Kvaerner: Tel: +47 67 51 3036 Mob: +47 928 85 542

UK: Sarah Weyell, AK Engineering Services, Stockton-on-Tees: Tel: +44 (0)1642 602221

1.        AKER KVÆRNER ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner comprises several industries, including Oil & Gas, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. The Aker Kvaerner group is organised into two principal business streams, namely Oil & Gas and E&C, each consisting of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. The parent company in the group is Aker Kværner ASA. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 35.6 billion and employs approximately 22,000 people in more than 30 countries.

2.        E&C Europe specialises in the provision of process technology, engineering studies (including bankable feasibility and environmental studies), total project management, engineering and design, procurement, construction, commissioning and maintenance services. With nearly 5,000 people based largely in Europe, E&C Europe serves a number of industrial sectors: refining and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals & biotechnology, onshore oil & gas, power generation, chemical pulping, nuclear, water, and mining and metals.

3.      AK Engineering Services is the trading name of Aker Kvaerner Engineering Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of AKER KVAERNER ASA and the legal entity responsible for the execution of the work. AK Engineering Services provides total asset life cycle solutions including conceptual design, engineering, procurement, project management, construction and commissioning, through to operation and maintenance services, modifications and process improvements. Also offered are consultancy services in reliability, business modelling and environmental, health, safety and risk management.

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com