The Atlantic Osprey

[manxchatterbox]

This from the Manx Radio web-page:-

 

Isle of Man Environment Minister John Rimington is seeking re-assurance regarding the safety of a nuclear cargo ship.

 

The Atlantic Osprey which has recently entered service to transport nuclear material between Sellafield and several European ports.

 

Kate Skinner reports:

 

(Text of attached audio)

The vessel operates out of the port of Workington, and earlier this year was due to deliver Mixed Oxide or MOX nuclear fuel manufactured at Sellafield to a Swiss nuclear power company.

Although the vessel has been approved by the UK Government's Officer of Nuclear Safety, it has been the subject of some severe criticism by opponents of the nuclear industry.

 

The vessel is owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and the Minister has recently written to the NDA seeking their assurance that the Atlantic Osprey is entirely fit for the purpose on the trips between Sellafield and the European ports.

 

It's claimed the ship in an INF Class 2 vessel, which is different from the larger Class 3 vessel in having fewer safety features incorporated into its design.