An analysis has been made of the risks involved in the transport of spent fuel elements on two transport routes from the Dodewaard nuclear power plant to Sellafield. At both routes, the B-type container is carried by road, rail and sea transport. At the present route, sea transport is carried out by a channel ferry. At the alternative route, sea transport is carried out by a special-purpose ship from Cherbourg to Barrow. Due to international law, the transport safety is primarily defined by the characteristics of the B-container. For both routes, the risks are similar during road transport and train transport. Differences arise in the sea transport. The main risk for the present route is a collision of the train-ferry at the Channel, resulting in sinking of the ferry and salvage of the container. The main risk for the alternative route is beaching of the special purpose ship on the French or English coast. The B-container will remain intact. Salvage for the alternative route is much more difficult due to the unfavourable water depth and wave climate.
Abstract