OREANDA-NEWS. July 12, 2013. Highly enriched nuclear fuel of the research reactor in Dalat (Socialist Republic of Vietnam) was repatriated to Russia through a joint effort of the Russian Federation, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the United States of America with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The fuel has been sent for reprocessing to one of ROSATOM’s enterprises.

The first fuel shipment from Vietnam to the Russian Federation took place more than 6 years ago. Now, this, second shipment successfully closes the successful transfer of more than 16 kilograms of HEU from Vietnam. As the result, all highly enriched nuclear fuel has been completely removed from Vietnam.

This important achievement resulted from implementation of long-term parallel programs for repatriation of Russia-flagged and U.S.-flagged research reactor nuclear fuel to the Russian Federation and the USA, respectively. The implementation of these programs facilitates the strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

The shipment carried out is unique, since for the first time the container TUK 145/C (Type C package as per the classification of the Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material, TS-R-1, IAEA) was used for this purpose. This container is certified for transportation of spent nuclear fuel of research reactors by air.