Two of the nation's top maritime dismantling services companies, NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services (NorthStar) and Modern American Recycling and Radiological Services, LLC (MARRS), have teamed up to pursue the safe dismantling and disposal of decommissioned United States Navy nuclear aircraft carriers at Port Mobile Alabama, according to a joint statement. The vessel, formerly known as the USS Enterprise and now known as the ex-Enterprise (CVN-65), was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, serving the U.S. Navy for over 55 years before its decommissioning in 2017.

Under an August 2023 Record of Decision, the Navy announced that it would utilize a novel commercial dismantlement approach for the ex-Enterprise, with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) providing additional oversight of the successful contractor's compliance with NRC standards for radiological work.

NorthStar is also currently leading decommissioning work at Duke Energy's Crystal River 3 nuclear complex, in Citrus County, Fla., and the GE Vallecitos Nuclear Center in Vallecitos, Calif. It has previously completed several safe decommissioning projects for the Department of Energy and university research reactors.

"Working with MARS, the most experienced maritime recycler in the U.S., competitively positions NorthStar for the opportunity to dismantle the ex-Enterprise," said Scott E. State, CEO of NorthStar. "We look forward to applying our well-honed commercial industry practices to this first-of-a-kind project and look forward to a long relationship with MARS and the Mobile community."

Nuclear fuel was already removed from the reactors and sent to storage in 2017. All removal of other radioactive and hazardous materials will be conducted in fully enclosed areas to eliminate any possible contact with the public or the environment. Comprehensive safety protocols and advanced recycling techniques will be employed for the responsible management and off-site disposal of all materials, the announcement said.

The project will create jobs in the Mobile, Ala., area, boosting the local economy and providing valuable opportunities for skilled workers, the companies stated. The presence of the Enterprise on the waterfront in the Port of Mobile is also likely to create a unique opportunity for folks to visit Mobile wanting to see this noteworthy ship one last time.

The dismantling of the ex-Enterprise is scheduled to begin following the contract award in 2025 and is expected to take several years to complete.