Introducing WNTI
The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) was founded in 1998
by British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL) of the United Kingdom, COGEMA
of France, and the Federation of Electric Power Companies (FEPC) of
Japan to represent the collective interests of the radioactive
materials transport sector, and those who rely on safe, effective
and reliable transport. Over the past decade, WNTI has grown
dramatically with member companies drawn from a wide range of
industry sectors, including major utilities, fuel producers and
fabricators, transport companies, package producers, and the
production and supply of large radiation sources.
Background
The radioactive materials transport industry provides a vital
service within a complex regulatory, commercial and political
context. Industry recognises the many challenges it faces, and has
demonstrated a willingness to interact with regulators, carriers
and public groups to ensure the continued safe and efficient
delivery of these essential materials. WNTI's capacity to represent
industry interests is due in large part to its focus on transport
issues from a very practical point of view, developing consolidated
industry positions, and representing them in exchanges with other
key stakeholders.
Through WNTI, companies are working together to promote a sound
international framework for the future by helping to build
international consensus, co-operation and understanding.
International co-operation
Intergovernmental organisations such as the International
Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) play a pivotal role in establishing standards and
regulations that apply to radioactive materials transport. Through
its non-governmental status WNTI supports the work of key
intergovernmental organisations in promoting an efficient,
harmonised international transport safety regime. WNTI has
consultative status with the IMO and observer status with the IAEA.
In addition, WNTI has consultative status with the United Nations
Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Category
B Liaison Membership with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO), and information status with the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) N14 Committee.
WNTI work benefits also from the on-going exchange between
complementary industrial organisations and has established close
links with FORATOM, the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), WINS and
the World Nuclear Association (WNA).