PNTL orders two newbuilds

Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) in the UK has ordered two new purpose built ships for transporting radioactive materials from Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding. The Japanese shipbuilder is currently building the ?Pacific Heron? at Tamano shipyard.

The contract is for the design and build of two further INF 3 ships which are scheduled to be in service by late 2010. John Clarke, Managing Director of International Nuclear Services said: “We are delighted that our long-standing Japanese customers have given us the go-ahead to order an additional two ships, and are very grateful for their continued confidence in us to safely and successfully

run the PNTL fleet. The Pacific Heron, and the two additional vessels, will form part of an ongoing commitment to provide a dedicated specialist nuclear transport operation.”

The commissioning of the ?Pacific Heron? and the additional vessels are part of an ongoing review of options for the PNTL fleet and will ensure that suitable vessels are available to carry out any future transports of nuclear material between Europe and Japan. The two additional vessels will be a development of the design of the current PNTL ships that provide a safe and reliable service with the cargo compartments protected by a double hull configuration together with back-up availability of all essential systems.