Saab safeguards Swedish nuclear power
Amidst idyllic surroundings lies Oskarshamn nuclear power plant with its three reactors. A new 2.7 km fence has encircled the entire facility – one element of the zone security provided by Saab.
Image: A new 2.7 km fence is one element of the zone security provided to OKG by Saab. Photo Jan Gustafsson, Condesign.
11/4/2008 | In mid-March 2008, Saab signed a contract with OKG (Oskarshamn Power) to supply the nuclear power plant with zone and perimeter security. The delivery is split into two parts, the first of which is now complete. The next delivery, which will take place during 2010, comprises perimeter security immediately around the facility and will involve Saab designing and implementing a brand new computer platform with a surveillance system adapted for operations in a surveillance centre.
Tough schedule
Following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Swedish Security Service (SÄPO) produced a “dimensioned threat summary”, which was used to formulate a directive for Sweden’s nuclear power plants by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM). This directive requires nuclear power plants to impede and delay any intrusion. In order to fulfil these requirements, OKG commenced its collaboration with Saab. SSM had instructed OKG that the zone security measures should be in place no later than 1st October. The contract with Saab was signed in mid-March, so it was a tough schedule to maintain.
Image: Björn Gustafsson is OKG’s project manager. Photo Jan Gustafsson, Condesign.
“The start was tougher than expected, so in practice we had barely three months to get things done. We have been very impressed with Saab’s efforts. The people who have been on-site have shown commendable enthusiasm for meeting our objective,” says Björn Gustafsson, OKG’s project manager.
Saab is supplying a complete solution to OKG as a turnkey contract, including installations, deliveries and any necessary construction. The first delivery has involved numerous sub-contractors and the major challenge has been to coordinate all of these.
A very good partnership
In September, OKG placed an additional order for a sonar system. The system will detect any divers or diving vessels close to the nuclear power plant’s water inlet. The unique thing about Underwater’s sonar system is that it has a very low false alarm frequency.
Image: Gunilla Fransson, Managing Director at Saab Security. Photo Jan Gustafsson, Condesign.
Recently, Saab Security’s Managing Director Gunilla Fransson and Executive Vice President Dan-Åke Enstedt visited OKG to follow up on the first delivery.
“We have a very good partnership and a good relationship with our customer and this has enabled us to successfully achieve our objective despite such demanding time pressure,” says Gunilla Fransson.