MARITIME SHIPMENTS OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

Most shipments of a variety of radioactive cargo (e.g. enriched UF6, Uranium Ore concentrates or sources like Co60) are transported overseas on various routes to connect consignors and consignees located in different continents. However there are a limited number of carriers available worldwide who are willing to accept radioactive material with the majority of carriers only accepting non-fissile material on board of vessels. This paper will examine and explain the consequences of the different types of maritime services available to the transporters of radioactive materials including liner, fixed routes with fixed ports of call and schedules; charter, flexible routes and overall service; tramp, flexible routes, and schedule depending on cargo volume and agreements with charterers. It will also consider the different modes of transport, comparing how radioactive materials are shipped in the containerized 20´, 40´ container, flat racks and platforms; in break-bulk (lash barges, vessel holds) and in Ro/Ro (Mafi-trailer). There are many things that have to be considered when transporting radioactive materials from the basic regulatory framework: IMDG code (International Maritime code for Dangerous Goods) and supplement codes in combination with the laws and national requirements at ports of calls, licenses, handling permits, package approvals/validations, insurance needs and the list goes on. This paper provides examples of lack of harmonization and suggests ways of a more common approach to the transport of radioactive materials by sea.