Denial and delay of radioactive material shipments: patience, prudence, creativity

Abstract

Denial and delay in transport of radioactive material, only because it is radioactive, is not uncommon; but more cases have been reported in the last few years. The issue has gained prominence, making its way to the upper levels of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Meanwhile, the vast majority of radioactive material shipments reach their destination safely and on time. But with the nuclear renaissance on our doorstep, and with the development of other peaceful uses of nuclear energy, there will be a surge in transports that cannot be endangered by denial and delay. There really are problems out there, and some transports seem to have no alternate routes or carriers. Solutions are not easy to find, as there is no obvious leverage on carriers and harbours. Radioactive material cargoes are small and potentially risky, and cannot compare with small volume/small risk or large volume/larger risk cargoes of other sectors. There are responses to this situation. Some shippers use imagination and find alternative routes. Some take their chequebook, and charter ships or planes. Some want to have relaxed rules for their wares. Some lobby governments for help. There is no doubt that denials and delays exist, and are a costly obstacle to transport; but any solution must not have the adverse effect of frightening away all existing and willing carriers, because of the noise and exposure made before their clients, their shareholders, and any antinuclear activists. Soft and quiet responses will work better, hopefully. This paper identifies the problems encountered, some genuine and some less so. It discusses the search for hard facts and the pursuit of effective solutions, so that consignors can continue to transport safely, securely, reliably and cost efficiently.

Keywords:

• DENIAL
• SHIPMENT