Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what marine contingency planning the UK has in place for responding to a nuclear accident involving a floating nuclear reactor; how quickly that response can be mobilised; whether contingency planning has taken place regarding the floating nuclear reactor aboard the disabled Russian nuclear-powered freighter SEVMORPUT in relation to the current passage of that vessel; and if he will make a statement.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) response planning to manage incidents involving dangerous cargo, including nuclear fuel, is contained in the ‘The National Contingency Plan - A Strategic Overview for Responses to Marine Pollution from Shipping and Offshore Installations’ and other operational response procedures.

Her Majesty’s Coastguard will provide an initial assessment and incident response within minutes of being made aware of any maritime incident. The timing of any subsequent response will depend on the nature, scope and scale of the incident and the risks to the public and the environment.

In the case of an incident involving a nuclear-powered vessel, Her Majesty’s Coastguard will seek technical support from a ship’s owners, classification society, naval architects and insurers. They would also seek the advice of International Nuclear Services, the Office of Nuclear Regulation and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and other relevant experts.

Her Majesty’s Coastguard was aware of the routeing and passage plan of the SEVMORPUT through the English Channel on its way back to St Petersburg and was constantly monitored by both the UK and French Authorities. The ship arrived safely in Russia on 30 December 2020 without incident.