POLICY & FINANCE | SHAPING TRANSPORT POLICY
Shaping the future of nuclear transport
The transport of nuclear and radioactive materials is a critical component of the global supply chain, playing a pivotal role in the energy, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Harmonised global standards and regulations are of vital importance.
By Emily Loren Midgley, World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI)
THE TRANSPORT OF NUCLEAR AND radioactive materials has been subject to international oversight for decades, with the primary goal of protecting workers, public health, the environment, and the security of nations. As early as the 1960s, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began developing regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and secure handling of these materials during transit. The IAEA’s Transport Regulations, first issued in 1961, set the benchmark for safe packaging, labelling, and transport procedures. These guidelines are continually reviewed and updated to address evolving risks and new technologies. Other international organisations have also contributed
Below and top right: WNTI Members and industry experts come together to address key policy and regulation challenges, shaping the future of nuclear transport
significantly to this regulatory ecosystem. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established regulations for the maritime transport for all Classes of Dangerous Good, including Class 7 Radioactive Materials, ensuring compliance with both safety and environmental protection standards. Meanwhile, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) oversees regulations for air transport. Together, these organisations are continually developing a system of rules that enables the safe and efficient movement of nuclear and radioactive materials across borders. Regulations governing nuclear and radioactive material
transport are crucial for minimising risks, not only for the personnel involved but also for the wider public and environment. For example, they ensure the integrity of packaging used to transport highly radioactive materials, safeguarding against potential leaks or contamination
during accidents. These frameworks also address security concerns, such as the prevention of theft or sabotage during transit, which could have consequences if such materials fell into the wrong hands. The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) has been
a key player in shaping these standards, forming the basis of the legal and regulatory landscape of nuclear and radioactive material transport since its establishment in 1998. Acting as a collective voice for the industry, its primary aim is to ensure that standards are not only effective in guaranteeing safety and security but also practical and implementable for the industry. WNTI has developed and published guidance that is
widely recognised across the sector. These resources provide valuable insights into complex regulatory requirements and offer practical solutions to industry challenges. A cornerstone of WNTI’s work is its partnerships with
key international organisations. The institute collaborates closely with the IAEA, IMO, and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), among others, to collaborate on policy and standards development. By representing the views of its members, WNTI ensures that standards are informed by real-world experience and industry expertise. For example, WNTI has actively participated in the revision of SSR-6, including proposing a new package type to fill the gap between Type B and Type IP. This new category, intended for Intermediate Level Waste, aims to reduce transport frequency by allowing for increased content volume while still ensuring safety, along with reducing the environmental impacts and the security risks. The proposal has been incorporated into draft SSR-6 as a Type B(M) package with relaxation requirements.
Current and future transport challenges Despite a strong regulatory foundation, the nuclear
transport industry faces evolving and complex challenges: ● New Technological Advancements: New technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and novel reactor fuels, are changing the scope and volume of materials in transit. Regulatory standards must adapt to keep pace.
● Liability and Insurance: Transporting nuclear materials across jurisdictions raises complex liability issues. Ensuring clear, coordinated frameworks is essential to maintain public trust and financial protection. ● Rising Demand: As nuclear energy gains traction
20 | July 2025 |
www.neimagazine.com
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