SHIPBUILDER Cammell Laird today took a major step forward in its ambition to supply the land-based nuclear industry.

The renowned Birkenhead shipyard and marine engineers has announced a partnership with nuclear engineering specialist Nuvia, near Warrington.

The two companies hope this will “catapult” them to the forefront of the UK’s multi-billion pound new nuclear build programme.

They will join forces to bid for contracts for the fabrication of heavy modules and components for new nuclear plants.

The companies claim their alliance could potentially create and secure hundreds of jobs at Cammell Laird when the new build programme begins in around two years time.

The Government announced last November that 10 potential sites have been identified for new nuclear power stations.

John Syvret, Cammell Laird chief executive, said the partnership marked a historic landmark for Cammell Laird as the business seeks to “catapult” itself further into the emerging engineering markets.

“This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a relationship of towering achievement.

“Nuvia is a market leader in the nuclear sector and has a terrific track record in the industry making it the perfect partner.

“The nuclear sector, like the off shore renewables sector, presents huge growth potential for Cammell Laird.

“We can offer experience in heavy fabrication, specialist engineering and project management together with unrivalled facilities including our 40,000m2 modular construction hall which is capable of fabricating modules and major components of up to 1000 tonnes.

“The energy sector is the future and through our partnership we believe we can thrust our companies to the forefront of the nuclear sector.

“This could bring massive benefits to the Merseyside and the North West economy.”