Geveden disclosed the discussions during BWXT’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call. He said the proposed vessel would use one of the large reactors installed aboard Ford-class carriers, which each carry two.
The configuration would represent a relatively direct extension of BWXT’s existing naval propulsion work. Geveden described it as a “drop-in kind of thing” from the company’s manufacturing perspective.
BWXT would manufacture the reactor fuel, steam generators, reactor pressure vessel and core barrel. The work would move through the company’s existing Ford-class reactor and fuel production lines rather than require a separate manufacturing system.
Geveden said funding had been authorized to study the ship design under the 2027 budget authorization. BWXT would not participate in that design effort, which would remain the responsibility of the shipyards.
The program remains at an early stage and depends on future authorization and appropriations. BWXT is nevertheless discussing the concept with its naval nuclear customer and is prepared to support the program as its requirements develop.
Should the project advance, the first supplier activity could reach BWXT’s plants through long-lead orders beginning in 2028. Geveden said the reactor would fit within existing capacity and generate additional manufacturing volume.
However, the CEO said a separate change in the Navy’s carrier procurement plan would have a larger effect on BWXT. The Navy’s updated shipbuilding plan calls for Ford-class carriers to move from a five-year ordering interval to a four-year cadence.
That change would reduce production gaps and allow BWXT to keep two carrier reactor shipsets moving through its plants at the same time, Geveden said. It would also improve manufacturing stability, forecasting and production efficiency from around 2028 onward.
Geveden characterized both the battleship concept and the faster carrier cycle as potential additions to BWXT’s naval nuclear business. He said the four-year Ford-class schedule represented the larger volume opportunity, even if the battleship program proceeds.
