Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) has marked its shipping success and trusted collaboration with Japanese nuclear stakeholders as part of its 50^th anniversary of safe, secure, and reliable nuclear transport.

Since its formation in 1975, PNTL has safely sailed millions of miles to ensure its valuable cargo reaches its destination. This event celebrated everything the company has achieved over its five decades of operation.

Originally established to transport irradiated nuclear fuel from Japanese nuclear power stations to reprocessing plants in Europe, PNTL began as a subsidiary of British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL), which held a majority stake, with the remainder owned by Japanese and French nuclear companies.

Today, PNTL operates under Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), a subsidiary of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). It is part-owned by Orano (France) and a consortium of Japanese nuclear companies.

Key milestones in PNTL’s history include:

• 1979: Launch of its first purpose-built nuclear cargo vessel, Pacific Swan
• 1989: Completion of the 100th voyage between Europe and Japan
• 1989: First transport of research reactor fuel from Japan to the USA
• 1995: First shipment of high-level waste from France to Japan
• 1999: Commencement of MOX fuel shipments from Europe to Japan
• 2007: Launch of the first of three INF3 vessels, Pacific Heron
• 2016: Completion of a shipment from Japan to the USA, receiving recognition from President Obama
• 2024–2025: Trials begin for pioneering green shipping solutions – the Fastrig sail initiative

The ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the joint success PNTL brings to the UK, Europe, and Japan. Its shipments have enabled spent fuel to be reprocessed and returned, supporting the continued use of ultra-low carbon nuclear energy across Japan. PNTL also safely repatriates high-level waste, ensuring it is stored securely in its country of origin.

Wanda Goldwag, Chair of NTS, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and I’m thrilled to be able to share in PNTL’s success story. It’s worth remembering that we are world leaders in this field. If a company anywhere in the world needs nuclear material transported, they call upon PNTL, and our experts ensuring it happens with the utmost safety and security.

“We’ve completed over 300 shipments in our history and travelled millions of miles across the globe. This wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and commitment of our crews. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this innovative and pioneering company.”

Julia Longbottom CMG, British Ambassador to Japan, said: “For half a century, PNTL has exemplified the strength of UK–Japan collaboration in the nuclear sector. Its unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and international partnership has played a vital role in supporting Japan’s energy security and sustainability.

“I was thrilled to welcome so many distinguished guests to celebrate this milestone, their attendance is a testament to the trust and shared values between our two nations. I look forward to seeing this partnership continue to flourish in the decades ahead.”

David Peattie, NDA Group CEO, added: “It was a privilege to join colleagues in marking PNTL’s anniversary and reflecting on the many achievements of the past 50 years.

“PNTL is central to the success of the NDA group’s mission to safely and securely manage the UK’s nuclear legacy. It is making a lasting and positive impact on global energy security and nuclear safety.”

In addition to PNTL’s milestone, 2025 is a year of anniversaries across the NDA group, including 20 years of the NDA itself, 30 years of Direct Rail Services, and 70 years of Dounreay.