Dive with the Suffren

“I took part in the Suffren’s first sea trials”—that’s the title of the new interview series you’ll be able to watch on YouTube this Tuesday, November 10. Dive with the Suffren and the TechnicAtome teams who contributed to the sea trials. A series of interviews offering a total immersion into the heart of this world usually reserved for sailors.

Full video on YouTube

Since its first voyage on April 28, the Suffren has sailed from the port of Cherbourg to Brest, before returning to its home port, Toulon. On board were sailors, of course, but also radiation protection specialists, test managers and directors, chemists… The TechnicAtome teams took turns to carry out a mission: to deliver a ship to the French Navy that met the specifications. The sea trial campaign, which aimed to test the nuclear reactor capabilities, also turned out to be an incredible human adventure and a unique experience for those TechnicAtome employees who were fortunate enough to be part of it.

“A professional dream” realized with TechnicAtome
The Suffren’s nuclear reactor is a true showcase of technology and a “wonderful asset” for the Navy. It took twelve years to bring this project to fruition, from design to completion. For all the teams working on the BARRACUDA Program, seeing the Suffren sail is the culmination of this collective effort, and it’s easy to understand the emotion felt by those who had the chance to live aboard during the sea trials. The pride of contributing to national defense also gives this “professional dream” another dimension, beyond the technical challenge of nuclear propulsion.