New nuclear fuel carrier

It is the second of three new UK-flagged vessels ordered by PNTL to fulfil its commitments to transport nuclear fuel and radioactive waste from Europe to Japan. The company took delivery of the Pacific Heron in 2008, which was designed specifically to carry mixed-oxide (MOx) fuel to Japan, while the Pacific Grebe will be delivered in 2011.

Although the 103.92m long, 17.25m wide new INF 3 class nuclear waste carrier was built at Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding’s Tamano shipyard in Japan, she was, at the time of writing, undergoing a period of fitting out and trials before entering full service in early 2011. This is being carried out at Barrow-in-Furness where she will be fitted with up to three cannons and other internal and external security devices to counter terrorist threats.

The 4,500 dwt vessel can carry in her four cargo holds up to 20 nuclear flasks used to contain spent fuel, highly active waste or recycled MOx fuel assemblies. Powered by a twin-screw 2,720kW MAN 28L27/38 four stroke diesel plant, the newbuilding has a maximum speed of 16.9 knots and a 14 knot service speed. Extensive safety features include a double hull around the cargo holds to give a crumple zone in the event of a collision.

This ship has been designed to carry nuclear cargoes and to comply with the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s classification for an INF3 vessel, which indicates the quantity of nuclear material it is licensed to carry. It is also designed to meet the Japanese regulator’s classification of Kaisa 520.