For more than a decade discussions are taking place at International Maritime Organization’s Facilitation Committee (FAL) regarding difficulties in shipping radioactive materials classified under Class 7 in IMDG Code.

When ocean carriers and ports impose heavy restrictions or outright prohibition for accepting to load discharge transship or even transit radioactive cargo it can adversely impact on public health and nuclear medicines.  Class 7 radioactive materials offered for transport in accordance with IMDG Code and other related national regulations are deemed safe for carriage and should be accepted.

An example for adverse effect on restriction or prohibition for transporting radioactive materials highlighted is COBALT-60. Classified under Class 7 UN 2016 RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, TYPE B(U) PACKAGE, non-fissile or fissile-excepted, cobalt-60 is widely used in sterilization of medical equipment, food and in cancer treatment. 45% of worldwide syringes, surgeon’s gloves, bandages and other related products are sterilized by cobalt-60.

In the past, IAEA & IMO held many meetings to remove the difficulties in shipping radioactive materials. IMO Resolution A.984(24) adopted on 1 December 2005 is for Facilitation of the Carriage of IMDG Code Class 7 Radioactive Materials including those in Packaged Form Used in Medical or Public Health Applications.

Cobalt-60 emits high-energy gamma rays that are used to eliminate harmful micro-organisms, bacteria and pathogens from a variety of products including single-use surgical and medical supplies, lab ware, packing materials, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, raw materials, spices, fruits, seafood, poultry and red meat. The gamma rays kill micro-organisms, bacteria and pathogens, without damaging the product, thus preventing the spread of diseases and infections. The radiation treatment process does not induce radioactivity in the product. After the completion of the radiation process the product is available for immediate use.
The transport of Cobalt-60 has a humanitarian dimension and is critical to the interest of public health and is thus for the benefit of society at large. The use of sterile disposable medical products in clinics and hospitals worldwide is linked directly to a reasonable and safe system for international supply and delivery of Cobalt-60. The rising number of incidents of denial of shipments of Cobalt-60 are seriously jeopardizing this supply and as a result this trend is having a negative impact on global health care.

Source IMO FAL.6/Circ.12

Current scenario

Industry consolidations and increasing vessel size has added to the difficulties in shipping radioactive materials. Royal P&O Nedlloyd used to carry radioactive materials but after being acquired by A.P. Moller-Maersk Group same shippers couldn’t ship out class 7 as it was prohibited by Maersk.

Increasing vessel size has restricted the choice of ports which further makes the carriers reluctant to load class 7 to avoid problems in way ports.

From ten alliances of container lines in 2005 to three alliances in 2018 has further reduced the possibility of carriage of radioactive materials. In alliance one carrier may accept but other carrier may reject same cargo resulting in total rejection for transport.

Below is the list submitted by World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) to IMO FAL committee on adverse consequences due to prohibition or restrictions on transport of radioactive materials.

WNTI requested the IMO FAL Committee to

encourage Member Governments to reinforce the messages in previous IMO circulars and resolutions to facilitate the shipments of IMDG Code class 7 radioactive materials; and encourage non-governmental organizations with consultative status, in particular the representatives of the shipping industry, to actively promote and facilitate through their members the shipments of IMDG Code class 7 radioactive materials.

FAL 42/16/1

IMO
“INVITES Member Governments to note that carriage of IMDG Code class 7 radioactive materials, when carried out in compliance with the relevant provisions of chapter VII of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, the IMDG Code and the recommendations contained in MSC/Circ.675 on Recommendations on the safe transport of dangerous cargoes and related activities in port areas., meets the necessary safety requirements and should be facilitated”

IMO Resolution A 24/Res.984

For full information on consequences of restriction on radioactive materials, refer to
IMO FAL.6/Circ.12, FAL 42/16/1, Resolution A 24/Res.984

Regulations for safe transport of radioactive materials by sea:

1. IAEA: Regulations for the Safe Transport of radioactive Material SSR-6
2. IMO: IMDG Code

If you are working with ocean carrier or port, we request you to consider these issues and inform IMO through your respective Competent Authority as what reasons contribute your organization to restrict handling/carrying radioactive materials. 

Your concerns submitted to IMO may greatly help to address the same and help the industry to remove restrictions thus assisting medical health, food preservation and economy in greater way.

Further reading on difficulties experienced by shippers due to new alliances