The world of nuclear fuel transportation has witnessed an intriguing development with the recent modification of the Pacific Grebe, a ship owned by Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL). This vessel has been adapted to carry a unique cargo - used mixed oxide fuel, a highly specialized and challenging transport task.
The story behind this adaptation is a testament to the intricate engineering and collaboration required in the nuclear industry. French nuclear fuel company Orano's TN Eagle flask, a massive 5-meter-long, 3-meter-diameter container weighing 150 tonnes, has been designed to transport this fuel. With approvals from both French and US regulatory bodies, Orano has received significant interest, leading to orders for several dozen of these specialized casks.
The Pacific Grebe, part of PNTL's fleet, has undergone a remarkable transformation to accommodate this new flask. The engineering challenge was immense, requiring the expertise of PNTL's transport specialists and engineers from Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), PNTL's parent company. The precision involved in fitting the largest package ever transported by NTS is a testament to their skill.
An adapter plate was crafted to ensure the cargo's secure fit within the ship's hold, a task that demanded millimeter-perfect accuracy. Additionally, a specialized tool was manufactured to align the ship's removable decks seamlessly with the TN Eagle flask. Initial trials in the UK and a full-scale test in France demonstrated the success of this adaptation, with the flask seamlessly fitting into the ship's holds.
Conner Love, NTS's Director of Shipping, highlighted the collaboration between NTS and PNTL, emphasizing their world-leading expertise in nuclear shipping and engineering. This project's successful completion is just the beginning, as PNTL gears up for a series of critical spent fuel movements worldwide.
In the near future, another PNTL ship, the Pacific Egret, will undergo similar adaptations to transport the new flask. PNTL, primarily owned by NTS and partly by Orano and a Japanese consortium, operates a fleet of diesel-powered specialist ships dedicated to high-level waste and nuclear material transport. To date, PNTL has transported over 2000 nuclear casks, covering an impressive 5 million miles to various countries worldwide.
This development showcases the intricate logistics and engineering involved in nuclear fuel transportation. It highlights the industry's commitment to safety, precision, and global collaboration, ensuring the secure movement of highly specialized cargo across the globe.
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