PNTL launches ‘Pacific Egret’

The official launch of a new INF 3 class vessel, the ‘Pacific Egret’, for the Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) fleet took place yesterday at Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding’s Tamano shipyard in Japan.

The newbuilding was towed to an outfitting berth and is expected to be delivered in June 2010 after which she is due in her home port of Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria later in the year.

Managing Director of International Nuclear Services Mark Jervis, said: “The launch event is a significant milestone in the process of renewing the PNTL fleet for the 21st century. “Mitsui and International Nuclear Services successfully managed the build of the ‘Pacific Heron’ that was delivered in 2008, and we are progressing well with the outfitting of this latest vessel for the PNTL fleet.

“The ‘Pacific Egret’ forms part of an ongoing commitment to provide a dedicated specialist nuclear transport operation. The PNTL fleet has an exemplary record with over five million miles travelled without any incident resulting in the release of radioactivity. The new ship will enhance and extend our capability even further.”

The ‘Pacific Egret’ will ensure that suitable vessels are available to carry out any future transports of nuclear material between Europe and Japan.