MOX docks
19 May 2009
The Pacific Heron and Pacific Pintail have arrived in Japan and delivered mixed-oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel to Chubu Electric Power Company for the Hamaoka power plant. Deliveries are also soon to be made to the Kyushu and Shikoku power companies. The ships left the French port of Cherbourg on 5 March and travelled via the Cape of Good Hope and the south west Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Heron developed a fault in one of its engines during the trip but was able to continue using another independent engine. Most ship systems as well as a the crew are duplicated as a safety feature.