Yesterday, Wednesday, 15 November, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Barrow-in-Furness and among her many duties she was given a tour around Pacific Nuclear Transport ‘ (NTS) port and had a closer look at its world-leading operations.

Her visited was a first by a member of the royal family to the site. During her visit she had the unique chance to explore the Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited’s (PNTL) specialist nuclear vessel the Pacific Heron, one of only three specialist nuclear vessels in the world..

Her Royal Highness also viewed the inside of one of Direct Rail Services‘ (DRS) state-of-the-art Class 68 locomotives that are used to transport nuclear material around the UK. Both Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited and Direct Rail Services are owned by Nuclear Transport Solutions.

The Princess’s Royal visit gave her the chance to learn more about Nuclear Transport Solutions’ global nuclear operations, its rigorous safety measures, cutting-edge technology, and the wide range of skills necessary to transport nuclear materials.

Wanda Goldwag Chair of NTS said: “The visit by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is a significant event for NTS as it underscores the importance of safe and secure nuclear transportation, and the critical role it plays in energy security and low carbon electricity. It also serves as a recognition of the dedication and professionalism of the fantastic individuals we have working at NTS.”

David Peattie FREng, CEO of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), which owns NTS, attended the visit and welcomed The Princess Royal to the port. He said: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Barrow Marine Terminal and showcase our internationally renowned nuclear transport solutions capability.

“NTS is critical in delivering the NDA group’s collective mission to decommission the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and sustainably, leaving a positive and long-lasting legacy.

“It was also a great opportunity to recognise our highly skilled workforce and the Sea Cadets, who represent the next generation of seafarers.”

Aidan Howlett, Ship Master of the Pacific Heron, said: “After 43 years at sea, 38 years of which with PNTL, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a number of people all around the world but today was a real honour. Her Royal Highness was genuinely interested in what we do and I loved having the opportunity to talk about the fantastic crew we have on board Pacific Heron.”

Danielle Wilson, Senior Competence Assessor at NTS, added: “Today was a great honour and experience, and it’s a reminder of how grateful I am to be in the position I’m in. We’re really proud of the work we do at NTS, and not everyone can be here but are equally as deserving to be, so it’s an honour to represent the hard work from all teams across the organisation.”