WNTI carries forward a full and varied work programme into 2010. The Packaging and Transport of Radioactive Materials (PATRAM) Symposium takes place in London, UK, 03-08 October this year and WNTI is supporting the UK Department for Transport in the organisation of the event. Every three years, government and industry worldwide come together at the PATRAM Symposium to exchange information and ideas on how to assure continued safe and efficient packaging and transport of radioactive materials. The IAEA two-year process of reviewing existing Transport Safety Regulations (TS-R-1) is already well under way and WNTI plays its part in representing Members interests in a stable regulatory regime that assures safety. WNTI also will encourage a rigorous safety/cost-benefit analysis to any proposals for regulatory change.
WNTI’s industry-led agenda will see the continued work of WNTI’s Transport Security Industry Working Group, Communications Industry Working Group, HEXT Industry Working Group, TS-R-1 Industry Working Group, Waste Transport Industry Working Group, Uranium Concentrates Industry Task Force and Sustaining Shipments Industry Task Force which will continue to meet in order to address key subject areas and actively work towards consolidated industry positions.
WNTI will continue to give its full support to intergovernmental organisations in 2010 including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the UN Sub-Committee on the Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Participation in the IAEA and IMO regulation implementation and review process will also continue. WNTI’s participation in the IAEA Steering Committee on Shipment Denials Regional Workshops, since 2007, addressing the issues that can lead to shipment denials and delays still remains an important activity.
There will be continued research, publication and representation. WNTI will be represented during 2010 at upcoming conferences such as Public Information Materials Exchange, AREVA International Nuclear Recycling day, Middle East Nuclear Energy Summit, IAEA Spent Fuel Management Conference and the IAEA General Conference. Invitations for WNTI’s site visit programme will be sent out to senior officials of the IMO and IAEA in the interest of enhancing communications and broadening understanding. Exchanges within intergovernmental organisations, with national competent authorities and collaboration with related industry organisations such as FORATOM, the NEI and WNA are essential and remain a priority.
