Ships carrying nuclear fuel head for NZ waters

By EUGENE BINGHAM

Two shiploads of nuclear fuel leaving Europe tonight will sail close to New Zealand's shores, opening old wounds over the anti-nuclear debate and straining our relations with several key allies.

Strenuous diplomatic efforts have been going on between New Zealand, Britain, France and Japan to seek an assurance that the load of mixed uranium and plutonium oxide fuel (MOX) will not become the first to enter New Zealand waters.

The likely passage of the two vessels through the Tasman Sea within the next month is seen as a direct challenge to the Government's opposition to such shipments.

Rather than just carrying waste, the material on board this time is capable of being converted into nuclear weapons and is an affront to the Government's drive for a nuclear-free region.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff has already begun posturing for the diplomatic standoff with Britain in particular.

The shipment to Japan is being undertaken by the British Government-owned British Nuclear Fuels and French state-owned Cogema.

Heightening the political environment on the domestic front is the fact that the Green Party has a Nuclear Free Extension Bill before Parliament which would exclude such ships from New Zealand's 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

British Nuclear Fuels has confirmed that the two ships, Pacific Pintail and Pacific Teal, are due to leave the French port of Cherbourg tonight. While they are not expected to announce the route until tonight, it is understood the ships will pass through the Tasman.

Company officials were in Wellington yesterday and have hired the public relations firm Consultus to run their media strategy.

The nuclear fuel, manufactured by a Belgian company, is destined for the Tokyo Electric Power Company. It is expected the journey will take 50 to 60 days.

A statement on British Nuclear Fuels' website yesterday said the ships would be safe at sea.

"The transportation of nuclear material is strictly governed by an established system of international regulations covering special transportation packages [for the fuel], the design of purpose-built ships and the physical protection arrangements."

The security measures include armaments to protect against pirates or international terrorists.

Greenpeace claimed the ships each had three 30mm cannons and seven tonnes of ammunition.

Mr Goff said this week that New Zealand did not want the ships coming through the south Pacific.

His officials have been seeking an assurance that they would not pass through the exclusive economic zone. Although they would not say yesterday whether that assurance has been given, it is understood the British are prepared to do so.

Acting Foreign Minister Jim Sutton said through a spokeswoman last night that New Zealand was firmly opposed to the transport of nuclear materials through the EEZ.

But Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons wanted the Government to go further and ban the ships.

"These shipments are both increasing and becoming more dangerous," she said this week.

She called for public and Government support for her bill, which is before the foreign affairs and defence select committee.

The bill would extend the nuclear-free zone from 12 miles to 200 miles.

Greenpeace protesters have this week clashed with police in France outside the nuclear transport depot, accusing the companies of trading in nuclear bomb material.