Facilitation of shipments of class 7 radioactive materials

This paper focuses on the reasons for the denials and delays of shipments of class 7 radioactive materials (RAM), the importance in facilitating the transport of such shipments and IMO’s response to the issue. A Member-State’s concerns on difficulties encountered in the shipment of radioactive material led the Facilitation Committee and the Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers to consider the issue as deserving in-depth consideration, establish its humanitarian dimension and work on initiatives to alleviate such difficulties in a manner acceptable to all parties involved in the process. Reasons for the refusals/denials of shipments of radioactive materials include apprehensions/negative perceptions on the part of ports and public authorities on radiation and the lack of awareness about the need to use radioactive material. Experts have attributed these difficulties to carrier radiation protection programmes designed for the carriage of class 7 cargoes, the prohibitions on docking for ships when carrying such cargoes and the high insurance and commercial costs involved in the carriage of such materials. Nevertheless, relevant surveys conducted by the industry revealed that no policies are in place to refuse the transport of materials under discussion. Following a series of proposals and meetings, the Organization aimed at the development of a joint communication strategy across the IMO, the IAEA and the WHO underlining the benefits of the use of Cobalt-60 and highlighting that its shipment can be carried out safely based on compliance with relevant provisions. Assembly Resolution A984(24) sets up an Ad hoc Mechanism on the establishment of a contact point at the Secretariat aiming towards facilitation of the carriage of class 7 RAM which involves submissions of reports by Member States and industry stating reasons of difficulties/refusals of class 7 RAM as a means to evaluate these and determine actions required towards resolution of the issue. In addition, a range of information campaigns, training and awareness programmes have been designed for the above purpose (i.e provision for additional information by means of an entry in the Dangerous Goods Transport Document and / or Dangerous Goods Manifest). Significant developments have also occurred in the Small Island Development States which favour dialogue under the aegis of IAEA and IMO in order to improve understanding in relation to safe transport of RAM.