NNSA calls attention to the security of nuclear materials in transit at International Conference on Nuclear Security

On May 23, 2024, the United Kingdom and the United States co-sponsored an event at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) to encourage States to improve the security of nuclear materials in transit. The event featured speakers from Brazil, Jordan, and the World Nuclear Transport Institute, who shared their experiences and best practices.

The event highlighted a changing landscape for the transport of nuclear materials and the potential challenges to global nuclear security. These include an anticipated expansion of civil nuclear power worldwide which would increase the amount of nuclear materials in transit and create new supply chains and transport routes. Additionally, new technologies are under development such as microreactors and transportable nuclear power plants which will challenge traditional approaches to transportation of nuclear materials. This anticipated expansion and technological diversification takes place amid an evolving threat landscape including cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and uncrewed aerial systems.

The event focused on practical steps to prepare for these challenges, with speakers highlighting the importance of strengthening the transport security regime, transport security successes, emerging threats, and implementing strong regulatory frameworks.

The event also raised the importance of the international legal framework through the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment (A/CPPNM). A/CPPNM is the primary legally binding international instrument related to the physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities. It fills gaps in the international regime by setting obligations for the physical protection of nuclear material for peaceful purposes in domestic use, storage, and transport.

Closing the event, NNSA nonproliferation chief Jeff Chamberlin noted: “Universalization of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment helps to strengthen nuclear transport security and develop an international network of countries committed to ensuring physical protection of nuclear material during transport, which has global benefits.”

With 163 States Parties to the original treaty and 134 States Parties to the Amendment, it is clear the international community understands the importance of this issue. The event reinforced that importance and encouraged the thoughtful preparation and planning for the secure transportation of nuclear materials in the future.