CAMMELL Laird has agreed an historic partnership with a nuclear engineering company that could see them at the forefront of the UK’s multi-billion pound nuclear build programme.

The shipbuilder and repairer has joined forces with Warrington-based Nuvia Limited and the two are currently bidding for contracts to make modules and components for new nuclear plants.

The partnership, announced today, could create and secure hundreds of jobs at the company’s Birkenhead yard when the building projects begin in around two years' time.

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

He said: "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 40,000 m2 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."

Under proposals announced by the Government in November, 10 potential sites have been identified for new nuclear power stations.

If built the stations could generate up to 25 per cent of the country's energy needs, compared to 13 per cent now.

The proposed sites are in Braystones, Sellafield and Kirksanton, all in Cumbria, Heysham in Lancashire, Hartlepool, County Durham, Sizewell in Suffolk, Bradwell in Essex, Hinkley Point in Somerset, Oldbury in Gloucestershire and Wylfa in Anglesey.

The new sites are necessary because the country’s existing power stations are due for decommissioning over the next 20 years. Each site is currently going through a rigorous selection process during to assess the impacts on the local community, economy and the environment.

After that, planning permission will need to be obtained, after which construction can begin.

An estimated 9,000 jobs could be created to build each of the power stations, as well as another 1,000 once the plants were up and running.

Nuvia's managing director, Keith Collett said the partnership had 'incredible potential' and work is already underway to prepare the firms to bid for contracts.

He said: "We are hugely excited about this alliance. Nuvia has an established track record of delivering large nuclear projects in the UK.

Reinforcing our expertise in the sector, which covers the entire cycle from new build, to operations and maintenance, to final decommissioning and waste disposal, with Cammell Laird's skill set forges a formidable team.

"Cammell Laird offers world class expertise and facilities to undertake heavy engineering and module fabrication.

"Moreover its geographical location makes transportation of modules straightforward by sea and enables us to pitch for work across the UK."

Birkenhead MP Frank Field said: "Cammell Laird is a first class company, constantly seeking new opportunities to expand its Birkenhead business.

"I wish the new partnership the best of luck as it develops a new approach to nuclear power."

Nuclear Industry Association chairman Lord O'Neill said: "This partnership is yet another example of UK companies gea up to play a role in nuclear new build.

"New nuclear in the UK is moving from an ambition to a reality – and the industrial landscape is rapidly taking shape."