Bechtel Plant Machinery (BPMI) has awarded a new contract for the procurement of valves for the US Navy’s Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines.

The $28m deal has been awarded to US-based company Curtiss-Wright and also covers ship-building support and the procurement of spare parts.

The current contract includes fiscal year 2018 (FY18) orders for the supply of two shipsets of propulsion plant valves and spares for the US Navy’s Virginia-class submarines.

“Since the inception of nuclear-powered ships, Curtiss-Wright’s commitment to providing the most advanced and reliable technologies has ensured our ongoing participation in these significant defence programmes.”

Curtiss-Wright chairman and chief executive officer David C Adams said: “Curtiss-Wright is pleased to have been awarded this important naval defence contract, which continues our long-standing relationship with the US Nuclear Navy and ongoing support of critical naval defence platforms.

“Since the inception of nuclear-powered ships, Curtiss-Wright’s commitment to providing the most advanced and reliable technologies has ensured our ongoing participation in these significant defence programmes, which continue to receive strong Congressional support.

“Further, our innovative products and reliable solutions support the US Navy’s cost and delivery targets, while reinforcing fleet readiness commitments.”

Work on the project is being carried out at the company’s facility in East Farmingdale, New York, US.

The New York facility represents a business unit of Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division within the commercial / industrial segment.

Engineering and manufacturing works for the project are already underway at the site and are expected to continue through to 2022.

Bechtel Plant Machinery serves as a contractor for the US Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

The company manages design and procurement operations relating to the fabrication, testing, delivery, installation and field support of the high-quality nuclear power plant components used onboard the US Navy’s submarines and aircraft carriers.