SeAH Besteel signs MOU with BWXT Canada to explore SMR supply cooperation

SeAH Besteel announced Thursday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with BWXT Canada, a nuclear manufacturing and engineering company, to explore expanded cooperation in nuclear manufacturing.

The agreement aims to address growing demand for nuclear components driven by new construction of large reactors and small modular reactors, as well as life extensions of existing nuclear power plants. The two companies agreed to seek cooperation in supplying high-value-added components, including forgings for nuclear applications. Through the partnership, SeAH Besteel plans to strengthen its standing as a partner in the global nuclear manufacturing supply chain.

BWXT Canada, with more than 70 years of experience, supplies commercial nuclear manufacturing and engineering services across North America and around the world. The company has delivered more than 325 steam generators and major reactor components globally, and plays a key role in nuclear life extension, SMR development, and large and advanced reactor programs.

SeAH Besteel holds quality assurance certifications from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Korea Electric Power Industry Code and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The company has built a particularly strong track record in spent nuclear fuel transport and storage containers, known as CASKs.

In January last year, it supplied eight CASKs to the North American market — the first time a Korean company had done so. In November last year, it completed delivery of four spent nuclear fuel transport containers (KN-18) ordered by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. The company plans to expand beyond CASKs into key components for SMRs and large reactors.

"This MOU, built on the trust we have established with BWXT Canada — a global leader in the nuclear industry — will serve as an important milestone in strengthening our growth momentum in the global nuclear manufacturing market," a SeAH Besteel official said. "We will continue to reinforce our global position as a total nuclear solution provider, covering everything from specialty steel materials to large reactor components, in step with the expanding nuclear energy market."

Meanwhile, SeAH Besteel has been actively broadening its product lineup, including the recent development and commercialization of specialty steel materials used in reducers, a key component in robot drives.