Marine Transport of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium, and High-Level Wastes

In November 1993, the 18m Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a Code for the Safe Carriage of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High Level Waste. This Code was developed by the Joint International Maritime Organization/International Atomic Energy Agency/United Nations Environment Programme Working Group at two meetings held in 1992 and 1993. During these meetings, a broad range of issues were discussed, including several addressing the adequacy in the IAEA Regulations. One of the concerns expressed by some delegations from member states and non-governmental organizations was that accidents on board ships may be more severe than the IAEA regulatory tests account for. Furthermore, there was concern that package failure with subsequent release of radioactive material to the environment may occur.