No danger posed by ship carrying Uranium – MEPA

By Ifham Nizam

A team of scientists from the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) who yesterday visited the MV BBC Naples, which was carrying Uranium Hexafluoride and docked at the Hambantota Harbour, said that the cargo was secure and posed no danger.

Earlier, State Ministry of Solar Power, Wind & Hydro Power Generation Projects Development earlier said that legal action would be taken against Wilhelmsen Meridian Navigation Ltd, the local agent for M.V. BBC Naples for violating the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Act, No. 40 OF 2014. However, it is understood they will have to reverse their decision based on MEPA findings yesterday.

MEPA General Manager, Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara told The Island that the vessel docked because of a technical difficulty and had obtained the assistance of the engineers.

“Everything is under control and the ship is now sailing towards China,” he added.

He said the MV BBC Naples was anchored six nautical miles away from the Hambantota International Port, and engineers attended to the technical issue.

Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council said the vessel was transporting uranium for use in nuclear power plants.

M.V. BBC Naples was sailing under the flag of “Antigua & Barbados.” Sri Lanka Navy and Customs confirmed cargo wasn’t unloaded to the Hambantota Port.

Chandula Rambukwella, the Senior Manager- Commercial & Marketing for Hambantota International Port Group Pvt Ltd. told media the M.V. BBC had entered the port of Hambantota on April 20, at 2100 hrs, en route from Rotterdam to China.

The ship had made an emergency call at the port for some urgent repairs, Rambukwella said.