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World Affairs
Pradeep Kumar

22/04/21 09:30 AM IST

Nuclear material on China-bound vessel

In news

Sri Lanka detected radioactive material on a China-bound vessel berthed at the southern Hambantota Port.

Issue
  • A local shipping company, handling the vessel sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, from Rotterdam in the Netherlands to China, cited a “mechanical emergency” and sought permission from the harbour manager at the China-run Hambantota Port.
  • However, the company did not declare that the cargo was radioactive material, a requirement under Sri Lanka’s Atomic Energy Act
  • The vessel was found to be carrying uranium hexafluoride, which is classified under “dangerous cargo”.
  • “Uranium hexachloride is nuclear material that is commonly transported from one country to another.
  • As per Sri Lankan law, we need any vessel carrying radioactive material to obtain prior permission before berthing at any of our ports.
  • This vessel had not obtained that clearance.
Action taken by Srilankan Navy

The vessel has been asked to leave the Port, according to officials, as the shipping company failed toobtain prior clearance for “dangerous cargo”, as per Sri Lankan law.

Source: The Hindu

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