World Nuclear Association / World Nuclear Transport Institute Joint Statement
(20 March 2002)
The World Nuclear Association (WNA) and the World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) believe that the nuclear industry makes a significant contribution to sustainable energy availability and, in particular, to responding to concerns about global warming through the avoidance of carbon dioxide emissions.
In order for nuclear power to play its part in meeting the needs of people, radioactive materials must be transported to where they are needed.
Such transports have an outstanding safety record and indeed, could be regarded as a model for the transport of other classes of dangerous goods. No other class of transport is subject to a more stringent international regulatory safety regime.
The maritime transport industry, including those who transport radioactive materials by sea, attaches fundamental importance to the principles of freedom of navigation enshrined in the United Nation Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
With regard to discharges, whilst radiation exposures resulting from nuclear installations are extremely low, the industry acknowledges the importance of protecting the environment by actively pursuing ways to further reduce radioactive discharges, thereby building on the impressive reductions which have already taken place.
In both these areas, transport and discharges, it is important to note the key roles played by intergovernmental organizations and international agreements:
The standards, regulations and conventions thus developed, provide a well-considered and practicable framework. Industry attaches great importance to this and co-operates fully in the review and implementation processes provided. To be effective, any further work should be consistent with these programmes. In the interest of a safe and environmentally effective industry we welcome statements and recommendations that are fully consistent with the existing international framework and thereby serve to support and strengthen it.