Atkinsrealis to provide engineering to Rolls-Royce Sub

Executive Summary

• Atkinsrealis Group Inc. has secured a multi-year framework agreement with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd. to deliver nuclear propulsion and engineering capabilities for the UK's submarine program.
• The partnership involves collaboration with Frazer-Nash and Assystem to provide engineering expertise and professional services to meet demand from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and allied nations.
• This appointment follows a previous joint fissile design partner announcement in January 2025, reinforcing Atkinsrealis's growing role in the UK's Defence Nuclear Enterprise and the AUKUS security agreement.

Key Details

• Contract Value: The framework agreement has a total value of up to £400 million British pounds.
• Duration: The initial term is five years, with an option to extend for a further two years.
• Partners: Atkinsrealis will work alongside Frazer-Nash and Assystem to provide collective engineering expertise and nuclear capabilities.
• Scope of Services: Atkinsrealis will provide specialist support in nuclear propulsion systems, safety assurance, systems engineering, and program delivery for the design, integration, and life-cycle management of submarine reactor plants. Additional services include consulting, environmental services, asset management, cyber resilience, digital solutions, and reactor design and substantiation.
• Strategic Context: The partnership supports the Royal Navy's submarines program and the UK's wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise, aligning with the UK government's commitment to nuclear as a cornerstone of national security and the trilateral AUKUS agreement (Australia, UK, US).
• Previous Appointments: This follows Atkinsrealis and Mott MacDonald being announced as Rolls-Royce Submarines' joint fissile design partner in January 2025, part of plans to double the size of the submarines site in Derby, England.
• Client Background: Rolls-Royce Submarines supports existing Astute and Dreadnought boat build programs and will provide all nuclear reactor plants for next-generation nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement.

Notable Quotes

• "Global defence investment is accelerating as nations seek to reinforce security and resilience," said Ian L. Edwards, president and chief executive officer of Atkinsrealis. "Atkinsrealis is uniquely positioned to support this growth through our multidisciplinary expertise in nuclear programs and complex infrastructure. This partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines reflects our ability to deliver highly specialized capabilities that are critical to the safe and effective operation of future submarine fleets and wider defence programs."
• "Nuclear propulsion systems for submarines require exceptional precision, safety and technical depth," said Joe St. Julian, president, nuclear, Atkinsrealis. "Our position in this new strategic partnership builds on 27 years working with Rolls-Royce Submarines on their defence programs and our end-to-end experience in nuclear life-cycle management. Together with our industry partners, we will help ensure the U.K.'s submarine enterprise remains robust, agile and ready to meet evolving defence needs."