Underwater Construction Corporation (UCC) recently completed another successful international nuclear diving project safely, on time, and under budget, this time with one of our customers in South America.
UCC‘s corporate office in Essex, CT, USA, supplied nuclear divers, underwater construction services, and preventive maintenance of a Reactor’s Spent Fuel System. The nuclear divers removed the system, delivered it to the maintenance department for upgrades and service, and reinstalled and function-checked the unit. The nuclear power plant is now prepared to receive new nuclear fuel bundles for future operations.
The planned use of nuclear divers benefited the schedule and budget compared to bespoke remote tooling, robotics, or remotely operated vehicles. The utility has long understood the benefits of working with nuclear divers. UCC and this South American facility have collaborated on nuclear diving services annually since 1997.
Proven International Expertise and Capabilities
UCC’s nuclear diving projects span four continents. Philip McDermott, UCC’s VP of Global Nuclear Services, states, “UCC has been busy internationally in recent months with other completed nuclear diving projects in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Finland. The work in operating facilities and decommissioned plants incorporated specialties such as underwater welding, underwater plasma cutting, underwater coatings, and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP).”
Additionally, UCC recently hosted one of its Japanese customers at the corporate office in Essex, CT, for project meetings and quality assurance audits. Later, another customer from the Republic of Korea visited UCC’s headquarters.
McDermott continued, “When the industry requires an experienced, safe, and proven nuclear dive company, UCC is typically the company of choice. Our customers know that when collaborating with UCC, they will receive decades of safe, unmatched nuclear diving experience. Our company is supported by our solid foundation of more than 220 divers and our Executive Leadership team, 90% of whom were nuclear divers themselves.“
Why Utilities Choose UCC Nuclear Divers to Achieve Their Goals
As a leader in commercial diving since 1969, UCC has refined the skills, systems, and safety measures that make our nuclear diving teams the preferred choice for utilities worldwide. Our clients select UCC not only for our proven results, but also for the depth of capabilities, global reach, and long-standing partnerships that set us apart in the nuclear diving industry:
1. Decades of Proven Safety and Reliability in Nuclear Environments
UCC has built a reputation for delivering nuclear diving projects with an uncompromising focus on safety. Our divers undergo rigorous radiation training and operate under strict protocols to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment. Our long track record reflects consistent regulatory compliance and zero tolerance for safety shortcuts.
2. Comprehensive Underwater Construction and Maintenance Service
From preventative maintenance and inspections to complex repairs and system replacements, UCC offers a full spectrum of underwater nuclear services. Our capabilities include underwater welding, plasma cutting, coatings application, and installation of advanced materials like Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), ensuring turnkey solutions for diverse project needs.
3. Cost-Effective Solutions that Reduce Reliance on Remote Tooling and Robotics
While robotics and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) have their place, UCC’s nuclear divers provide superior adaptability and precision, often completing tasks faster and with fewer complications. This flexibility translates into significant cost savings, shorter project timelines, and minimized operational downtime for nuclear facilities.
4. Global Network of Skilled Nuclear Divers and Engineering Experts
Supported by a team of over 200 divers worldwide and leadership with firsthand nuclear diving experience, UCC combines deep industry knowledge with extensive hands-on expertise. This global footprint enables us to mobilize resources efficiently and provide consistent service across multiple continents and time zones.
5. Strong Client Partnership Dating Back Over 25 Years
Our enduring relationships with utilities worldwide, such as the South American facility we’ve partnered with annually since 1997, reflect our commitment to quality, trust, and collaboration. Clients rely on UCC not just as a contractor, but as a strategic partner who understands their unique operational challenges and priorities.
Explore more about UCC and discover how our highly trained nuclear divers can help keep your plant safe, compliant, and operational.
Let UCC’s Nuclear Divers for Support Your Next Project
UCC offers a specialized workforce capable of executing complex projects in nuclear power facilities. With their expertise in radiation safety protocols, underwater inspections, maintenance, and repairs, our nuclear divers help ensure precision, safety and compliance with stringent industry standards. Contact our experts about your project and let’s discuss how our nuclear divers and tailored services can help you meet your goals.