ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the structure of SLOCs by which shipments of uranium and nuclear waste flow through the Indian Ocean. It reviews the current body of international law and also discusses in detail the INF code for the safe shipment of hazardous materials adopted in 1993. Finally, the chapter analyses the actual practice of selected Indian Ocean states in relation to this body of law and to other regional agreements. Uranium shipments of over 50,000 tonnes have been made since early 1970s, and by mid-2005, there had never been any reported accident in which a container with highly radioactive material had been breached, or had leaked. According to the Uranium Information Centre (UIC), Melbourne, about 20 million packages of all dimensions containing radioactive materials are routinely transported worldwide annually on public roads, railways and ships. The Indian Supreme Court monitoring committee on hazardous waste recommended that the Danish ship, formerly King Frederik IX, should be 'driven out' of Indian waters.