Uranium ship stopover follows Green claim of N-policy breach

The Paranagua Express is carrying uranium ore destined for the United States. Photo / Paul Estcourt

A ship carrying Australian yellowcake uranium ore - headed for the US - is berthed in Auckland, despite fears that the material may be destined for use in weapons.

The Paranagua Express is at the Ferguson Container terminal in Auckland.

It is believed to be just one of many ships that have stopped over in New Zealand, over a period of about 20 years, while transporting the uranium ore to Europe and America.

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman last week criticised the shipment of the material through New Zealand waters, saying it was a serious breach of the country's anti-nuclear policy.

"We are helping the Americans with their uranium industry and helping the Australians, so I think that we need to have a look at it because we all assumed we were nuclear-free," Dr Norman said.

However Environment Minister Nick Smith played down the material, calling it "not much more than Australian dirt".

The uranium ore is in powder form in sealed barrels inside containers which must remain stored below deck during the stopover in New Zealand.

Taking the Cake

* New Zealand ports have become a regular shipping route for Australian yellowcake uranium ore.

* The approved ports are Auckland, Tauranga, Napier and Nelson.

* The uranium ore is bound for the United States and France.

* About one shipment a year has been stopping over for the past 20 years.

* This has recently increased to almost weekly visits.