NTS and IAEA sign agreement on nuclear transport security

Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) has teamed up with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide support in the area of nuclear security and transport security of nuclear and other radioactive material.

Security experts from NTS signed a formal agreement – a Practical Arrangement – recognising the UK and NTS’s world-leading capabilities in the field of nuclear safety and security, and our long-standing relationship with the IAEA.

The three-year agreement will enable the IAEA and NTS to co-operate in research activities, to develop training materials and deliver capacity-building workshops and expert missions around the world, to address the transport security challenges of tomorrow.

The collaboration agreement was signed during the IAEA-hosted International Conference on Nuclear Security: Shaping the Future at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

Delegates at the conference heard from three NTS experts on its efforts to enhance the security of its transport operations and make the world safer and more secure – the key theme of the event.

Bob Officer, NTS’s Security and Resilience Director and signatory of the Practical Arrangement, said: “This agreement is a real opportunity to make the world safer and more secure. It’s fantastic we are able to share our skills, knowledge and experience for the benefit of all the IAEA Member States.

“I joined other security experts from around the world at the conference, we exchanged various perspectives on the emerging nuclear transport security challenges associated with future nuclear technology deployment and advanced fuels, and what is needed to ensure security and safety are core to world-wide nuclear operations. It was a hugely productive and proactive event to be involved in.”

Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, added: “We are looking forward to increased collaboration during the three-year duration of the Practical Arrangement between the IAEA and Nuclear Transport Solutions.

“The support provided by NTS to the work and activities under this agreement in the area of capacity building and technical support in transport security, nuclear security culture, computer security, and physical protection, is very much appreciated.”

Alex Barrow, Global Development Lead for Security & Resilience, attended the conference to present on NTS and the wider nuclear industry’s important role in enhancing global nuclear security.

Alex said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to share our years of experience with a distinguished delegation of experts, to impart and also to learn from best practice from around the globe.

“It was a real privilege to speak at such a prestigious event and I’m proud that we will be able to further increase our support to the IAEA’s vital work through this new agreement.”

Scott Reardon, NTS Security Officer, also attended and explored the emerging world of autonomous security systems and how these can be used to reduce the reliance on people in the complex world of nuclear security.

The conference was a pivotal moment in the development of world-wide nuclear security and NTS is proud to be at its forefront.

Senior officials from the UK Government’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero also attended along with representatives from the UK Mission in Vienna.