The final shipment of high-level radioactive waste from the United Kingdom to Germany has been successfully completed, marking the conclusion of a long-running waste return programme
linked to nuclear fuel reprocessing at Sellafield.
Seven flasks containing vitrified waste — a stable glass-like form used for the safe storage of radioactive materials — were transported by rail from the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria to the Port of Barrow-in-Furness.
The flasks were then loaded onto the specialist nuclear transport vessel Pacific Grebe, operated by Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), for shipment to Germany. Upon arrival at a German port, the waste was transferred by road to the Brokdorf federal interim storage facility, where it arrived on 18 June 2026.
Officials confirmed that the operation was carried out in full compliance with all applicable national and international safety and transport regulations.
The returned waste originated from spent nuclear fuel previously used by German electricity utilities and later reprocessed and recycled at Sellafield. Under international agreements, the resulting high-level waste is returned to the country of origin after treatment.
The completion of the third and final shipment represents a significant milestone in the UK's vitrified residue return programme. The initiative supports the UK's commitment to repatriating overseas-owned radioactive waste, fulfilling contractual obligations, and advancing government policy on nuclear waste management.
Sellafield Ltd described vitrified residue returns as a key element of its strategy to reduce legacy waste inventories while meeting international responsibilities associated with nuclear fuel reprocessing services.
Sellafield Ltd’s programme manager, Jonathan Clingan said:
“This was the final shipment of waste from reprocessing in the UK for our German customers.
Thanks to the excellent work of various teams at Sellafield Ltd, NTS and other partners in the UK and overseas, we have safely delivered a key milestone in the UK Government’s commitment to returning waste to overseas customers”. Photo by gov.uk
