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NDA Annual Report and Accounts 2021-2022 | case studies

Recycling success for nuclear vessel

Peter Buchan, Shipping Director at Nuclear Transport Solutions

Peter Buchan, Shipping Director at Nuclear Transport Solutions, explains how the decommissioning of a specialist nuclear vessel achieved a record 100% recycling record.

 

Tell us about your project?

In 2020 Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) was tasked with decommissioning MV Oceanic Pintail, a 3,685-tonne specialist nuclear vessel, in an environmentally friendly way.

Since its maiden voyage in 1987, the Oceanic Pintail served customers from across the world with bespoke solutions to nuclear transport challenges. Amongst many key transports, she played a key role in supporting movements of material between Dounreay and Sellafield and undertook the first MOX fuel transport from Europe to Japan.

NTS, which operated Oceanic Pintail, originally set a target of ensuring 98% of the world-class cargo vessel was reused.

Applying a number of innovative techniques, our partner (Dales Marine Services) was able to exceed expectations by reusing or recycling 100% of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority-owned (NDA) vessel.

Pintail at sea

How does it help contribute towards delivery of the NDA group’s mission?

The achievement - officially a UK first – supports both the NDA group and UK Government’s carbon net-zero ambitions.

By setting high environmental standards and working closely with partners in the supply chain we were able to meet a strategically important milestone while using innovative techniques to minimise the impact on the environment.

What have the key successes been?

We originally set Dales Marine Services the challenge of ensuring 98% of the world-class cargo vessel was reused.

Applying a number of innovative techniques, the Scottish firm exceeded expectations, and reused or recycled 100% of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority-owned (NDA) vessel by:

Recycling work on the Pintail vessel

What learning can be shared as a result of the work?

The project to decommission Oceanic Pintail demonstrated the importance of setting high standards and working in collaboration with customers, suppliers and contractors to align with our vision, values and targets.

Find out more: 100% of 3,865-tonne vessel is recycled - a UK first - Nuclear Transport Solutions

Read the NDA group’s Sustainability Strategy.