Successful repatriation of intermediate-level waste to Australia

A single flask containing intermediate level waste in the form of vitrified residues arrived at the interim waste store at the Lucas Heights facility in Australia on 13 March 2022.

The waste results from the reprocessing and recycling of spent nuclear fuel, which had previously been used for medicine and scientific research in Australia.

The Vitrified Residue Returns Programme – a partnership between Sellafield Ltd and Nuclear Transport Solutions – is a key component of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority strategy to repatriate waste from the UK, fulfil overseas contracts and deliver UK Government policy.

Nuclear Transport Solutions, part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, performed the shipment, in full compliance with all UK, Australian and international regulations. Drawing on more than 45 years’ experience of transporting nuclear materials safely and securely around the world.

The flask, containing waste that is radiologically equivalent to spent fuel received by the UK from Australia in 1996, was transported to an Australian port by the specialist vessel Pacific Grebe, then overland to Australian Nuclear Science and Technology’s Lucas Heights campus in New South Wales, Australia.

Sellafield Ltd’s vitrified residue returns programme manager, David Marsden said:

The multidisciplinary team at Sellafield Ltd has worked successfully with customers, partners and our colleagues in Nuclear Transport Solutions to ensure the safe arrival of the flask to its destination in Australia.

This marks another significant milestone in the safe repatriation of waste to overseas customers.

Further information

Shipment of intermediate-level waste to Australia departs UK

Nuclear Transport Solutions

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology (ANSTO)