GREENPEACE ACCUSES: NUCLEAR INDUSTRY VIOLATES PLEDGE OF OPENNESS

The route of the high level waste shipment is still a secret

23 January 1998 Amsterdam

Greenpeace today accused British Nuclear Fuels, Cogema and the Japanese Federation of Electric Power Companies of violating their promises to reveal the route of the nuclear waste shipment, which left Cherbourg (France) on 21 January onboard the Pacific Swan and is currently believed to be off the coast of Portugal.

In a statement released on 22 January, BNFL and Cogema simply announced that the Pacific Swan "is now en route to Japan via the Panama Canal." Despite a promise to reveal the route, only vague and incomplete information was forthcoming about the route through the Caribbean or Pacific, regions where concern about transit of the vessel has caused repeated protests.

"States along the shipping route have full right to know that the vessel will pass near their waters in order to prepare themselves in the event of accident," said Tom Clements of Greenpeace. "The release of censored information about the route only shows that this nuclear waste shipment still sails behind a curtain of secrecy. We encourage nations in the Caribbean and Pacific to continue their protests and demand that the route and emergency plans be revealed."

On December 18, BNFL, Cogema and JNFL issued a statement confirming that one day after the departure of the waste shipment the route would be communicated. Despite this pledge, the nuclear industry only confirmed that the shipment would be passing through the Panama Canal, information already released by Greenpeace. It thus remains unknown how close the vessel will pass to island nations in the Caribbean and Pacific. The shippers have refused to release information about which ports they may have designated to enter in case of emergency, and have apparently not discussed emergency plans with en route states.

The lack of openness about this dangerous transport of 60 glass logs of high-level nuclear waste underscores the need for strict international regulation on such shipments. Despite repeated demands by many countries for prior notification of nuclear shipments and consultation on the issue, France, Japan and the UK have ignored the demands of en-route states. Greenpeace encourages en-route nations to require proof of liability coverage for the Pacific Swan before it can pass through waters under their jurisdiction and control.

Normal shipping routes would take the vessel near to the Bahamas, British and US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam and other states.

The arrival of the Pacific Swan in Panama is expected around 14 days after departure, and Greenpeace urges protest against its passage through the Panama Canal. According to BNFL and Cogema, the nuclear waste shipment is expected to arrive in Japan in "the beginning of March."

A shipment of plutonium fuel, called mixed oxide fuel or MOX, is expected later in 1998 or in 1999 from France to Japan. The shipment will likely not be allowed through the Panama Canal by the United States as the material is classified by the International Atomic Energy Agency as being of "direct use" for nuclear weapons. Due to its high security risk, the shipment will require a military escort vessel and its route will be kept secret, thus once again generating concern among potential en route states.

Greenpeace will continue campaigning against such dangerous shipments and the plutonium industry which produces them.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Tom Clements, Greenpeace International. tel.+1-202-319-2506 (Washington)

Luisa Colasimone, Greenpeace Communication,mobile +31 6 53 66 29 70 (Amsterdam)