Top News of the Week Apr 28 – May 4, 2014

USA: Babcock & Wilcox Company Gets USD 195 Million Naval Reactors Contracts

The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W) announced yesterday that its subsidiary B&W Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. (B&W NOG) has received contracts and orders from the U.S. Naval Reactors Program worth approximately $195 million. 

Construction of Royal Navy’s HQ in Bahrain Begins

Work has begun to create a new £6m headquarters to serve as the hub of the Royal Navy’s most important theatre – the Middle East.   Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois MP broke ground with a golden shovel at the site of the new UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) complex in Bahrain.

Delivery of Mistral-Class Ships to Russia Not Affected by Sanctions

The two French-built Mistral-class warships will be delivered to the Russian Navy and will not be affected by the current EU sanctions imposed amid the Ukrainian crisis, RIA Novosti wrote today.  

Ireland: LE Samuel Beckett Docks in Haulbowline, County Cork

The Irish Navy ship LE Samuel Beckett arrived safely to Naval Service HQ, Haulbowline this morning ahead of commissioning, which will take place on May 17th in Dublin.   The biggest Irish Navy ship, LE Samuel Beckett, was launched in November 2013 and is scheduled to enter active service early this year. 

BAE Systems to Repair, Maintain and Modernize Nine U.S. Destroyers, Cruisers

BAE Systems has received a multi-ship, multi-option (MSMO) contract from the U.S. Navy to repair, maintain, and modernize nine destroyers and cruisers, either homeported in or visiting Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

New Zealand Government: Multi-Million Investment in Defence

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the Government is committed to strengthening the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and will be investing $100.9 million of operating funding in 2014/2015.