This time it’s the right one! The eighth Mox’s convoy left the port of Cherbourg, this Saturday, September 17, ten days behind schedule. The recycled nuclear fuel, a mixture of uranium and plutonium, must arrive in Japan in about sixty days to supply the Takahama power station.
A delayed departure due to a technical breakdown
The convoy was originally scheduled to leave Cherbourg on September 7th. The Mox had arrived during the night, transported under high escort from the La Hague plant to the port. But when loading the second package, the gantry crane broke downmaking it impossible to load.
– Pierre Coquelin
The fuel therefore went back to Orano, until that night, when it was again able to be transported to the port. The Mox was then able be loaded at 3am, “with success”, says the company. The cargo now loaded, the two boats of the specialized British shipping company PNTL (Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited), the Pacific Egret and the Pacific Heron (loaded for ten days and which has been waiting offshore), will be able to set sail during the day. They are expected to arrive in Japan in November.