DSIT awarded nuclear plant security contract

DSIT Solutions will supply an underwater security system to protect an unnamed European nuclear power facility under a new contract announced on 26 August. 

The contract will see DSIT supply a solution that utilises its PointSheild Diver Detection Sonar sensor to automatically detect, track and classify underwater threats such as divers, Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDV) and Underwater Unmanned Vehicles (UUV) in the vicinity of the plant’s water intake system.

Water intake systems are a weak point in the security of nuclear power stations. The intake point, which is part of the nuclear reactor cooling system, provides potential entry for underwater intrusion, where illicit infiltrators may try to swim concealed underwater into the protected nuclear power site. 

DSIT’s nuclear power underwater security system is specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of nuclear power plants operators; providing an ‘impenetrable shield’ against all types of underwater intruders.

Dan Ben-Dov, vice president for sales and marketing, DSIT, said: ‘After establishing itself as the world’s leading provider of underwater security systems for the oil and gas industry, DSIT is extending its product offering to the nuclear power sector. 

‘We won this competitive bid because of our significant investment in R&D in the field. As of today there are over 400 nuclear power plant units worldwide and we see high potential for growth in this segment of our business.’

The system is expected to be installed on site before the end of 2014.