Why the TFWG
Nuclear technologies have a ubiquitous and life-enhancing role in modern society. Without their contribution, our air would be more polluted, bridges would not bear weight as reliably, aircraft would not fly as safely, pipelines would leak more often, and more of our friends and colleagues would die of undiagnosed heart disease and untreated cancers.
For nuclear technologies to fulfil their essential role, materials need to be transported from manufacturer to end user. It is in the general interest that this material is shipped in an efficient and timely manner, yet this is often difficult to accomplish owing to the non-acceptance of radioactive materials by transport companies and ports, a phenomenon known as denial of shipments.
The President of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 2011 Conference on the Safe and Secure Transport of Radioactive Materials found that:
“Denial of shipments (DOS) continues to be a problem which must be addressed. DOS can adversely affect security – e.g., if a package is left at a facility, it may be misplaced or abandoned. Efforts to reduce denials have both safety and security benefits. DOS is also hindering radioactive source returns as well as beneficial uses involving radioactive material. Information on why carriers deny shipments should be developed.”
In 2015, the TFWG surveyed 61 organizations depending on the shipment of radioactive materials. The cohort was collectively responsible for over 300,000 package movements / year and represented a good cross-section of organizations from diverse regions and sectors of nuclear technology.
Analysis of the survey results showed that problems with denial of shipments are on-going. Specifically, the research showed:
- On average, respondents had fewer than two routes to their main consignee / customer demonstrating the fragility of supply chains and a lack of diversity
- Shipment of radioactive materials – in particular international shipment involving transit / transhipment – rarely goes by the most direct route.
- International shipment of radioactive cargoes is more challenging than domestic shipment
- In Brazil, where there has been an active campaign to facilitate Class 7 movement, improvements have been witnessed in the last 3 years
The reasons for DOS are complex but three important factors have been identified:
Perception: There are nine classes of Dangerous Goods, but radioactive material (Class 7) is often perceived by stakeholders in the transport chain as the most dangerous. This perception is not based on evidence - indeed transport of Class 7 has an enviable safety record over more than 50 years - however companies and authorities often lack the will and the resources to inform their staff and local communities about the important role of this cargo and its good safety record.
Economics: Radioactive material is premium cargo, and there are around 15 million packages shipped in a year. Nevertheless, this represents a small fraction of the overall transport of goods, and companies in the transport chain must weigh the investments needed to be qualified to carry Class 7 against the income to be earned.
Harmonized regulations: The regulatory system for Class 7 transport derives from IAEA safety standards and has served the international community well for over 50 years. Problems can occur when interpretation of these standards differs between countries and it becomes difficult to maintain compliance as a shipment passes through different jurisdictions.
