WNTI WINTER SAMM 2024

The event commenced with a welcoming drinks reception held at the event venue Thistle Marble Arch, offering members the opportunity to register and engage with fellow industry professionals. A key highlight of the opening session was the introduction of the new incoming WNTI CEO, Professor Peter Bryant, presented by WNTI board member Pete Buchan.

• Front End Operations: Attendees were enlightened with presentations on topics from the Uranium Ore Concentrate (UOC) and HEXT Working Groups. ORANO shared insights from its UF6 studies in collaboration with ORNL, alongside discussions on package approval processes.
• Back End Operations – Spent Fuel Management: Crucial presentations from WNTI member companies focused on Nuclear Waste Management, the bulk manufacture of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) storage packages and outlined future strategic plans.
• Back End Operations – Waste Decommissioning and Disposal: The group session was marked by a presentation on ACT Drop Testing by NUVIA and discussions on future plans for waste management.
• Generation Operations – Maritime Applications and Nuclear Propulsion: Participants received updates on progress with the IMO MSC, including a presentation on Gap Analysis A491 (XII).
• Generation Operations – New Nuclear: This segment focused on progress within the working group and discussed upcoming steps.
• Denial of Shipment: The group discussed updates from the IAEA Working Group, including the training for National Focal Points, and set future directions for the WNTI Denial of Shipment Working Group.
• Transport Security: Lieutenant Tim Hullman delivered a presentation on the NATO Shipping Centre’s engagement efforts.
• Enabling Activities, Policy and Regulations: Attendees were updated on recent regulatory changes, TRANSSC activities, and the latest WNTI publications.
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: The session summarised recent meetings and featured an intriguing presentation by Steve Slater on Sellafield’s Main Site Command Facility (MSCF) and its emergency preparedness and response process, along with future plans for the working group.

After a long day of working group meetings, WNTI members came together for a memorable Christmas members’ meal at Hush Holborn, where attendees enjoyed an evening filled with delicious food, drinks and lively DJ entertainment.

The final day of this year’s WNTI WINTER SAMM,offered industry updates from various experts, including Berta Picamal-Vicente from nucleareurope and Allarakha Vora from the World Nuclear Association. Thierry Chuprek facilitated a competent authority peer exchange with the French Authority (ASN). North American updates were provided by Eileen Supko. New members Nuvia UK and FRAMATOME were introduced, and Alastair Brown provided updates on th publication project. WNTI Chair Jessica Boutteau also shared the latest WNTI updates.

The Winter SAMM 2024 successfully brought together industry experts, fostered collaboration, and paved the way for future advancements in nuclear transport.

WNTI Members’ can access all session presentations below.