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International nuclear transport gets tougher

Thursday, 11 October 2007

A study conducted by the World Nuclear Association has confirmed that the international shipment of radioactive material is becoming increasingly difficult, with fewer shipping companies and ports willing to accept this cargo.

A study conducted by the World Nuclear Association (WNA) has confirmed that the international shipment of radioactive material - known as Class 7 under the UN's dangerous goods code - is becoming increasingly difficult, with fewer shipping companies and ports willing to accept this cargo.

Nuclear organizations in over 20 countries who participated in the study called for more concerted action by industry, competent authorities and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to reverse the trend towards non-acceptance of Class 7, emphasizing the need for better communications and education of transport partners.

The study shows that of the various transport modes used to transport Class 7, air and marine present the greatest challenges.

In the case of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, which represent a high proportion of the radioactive materials shipped worldwide annually, even a short delay can render the product ineffective.

Long diversions are also found to be commonplace in the marine sector, notably in relation to shipments of uranium and other 'front-end' nuclear fuel materials, and higher-activity radioisotopes. In the worst-hit regions, such as South America and southern Africa, suppliers sometimes have to transit another country to find a port willing to accept their cargo. There, it may be necessary to charter a vessel.

Participants in the study were not unsympathetic to the standpoint of the carriers and ports, for whom Class 7 represents disproportionate difficulty compared to the small amount of business it provides. Because of the complex procedures surrounding Class 7 and differences in interpretation of international regulations, vessels have been held up, incurring huge costs. Moreover carriers enjoy the flexibility of being able to change route or means of carriage during shipment. As nuclear cargo needs to be shipped according to a route approved by the competent authority, and if transferred between ships, needs to be monitored closely, this is a major constraint.

The WNA, which has recently been invited to join an IAEA steering committee on denial of shipments, is developing an action plan on the back of its study. Actions envisaged include improved communications to emphasize the essential benefits of nuclear technology to transport partners, and the development of training materials.

The study was conducted in spring and summer 2007, and involved 43 nuclear organizations in 21 countries. These organizations were engaged in carrying a wide range of RAM, using a variety of transport modes, including sea, rail, road and air.

Further information

International Atomic Energy Agency
World Nuclear Association