Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Nuclear Transport Solutions’ (NTS) home port in Barrow-in-Furness today and received a tour of its facilities and closer look at its world-leading operations.

The occasion marks the first royal visit hosted by NTS, with The Princess Royal given a unique opportunity to explore one of Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited’s (PNTL) specialist nuclear vessels, and a state-of-the-art Direct Rail Services (DRS) locomotive.

NTS, the global leader in nuclear transportation and logistics solutions, and owner of DRS and PNTL, welcomed Her Royal Highness onto Pacific Heron, one of only three specialist nuclear vessels in the world. She was also given a rare glimpse inside one of the state-of-the-art Class 68 locomotives used to support the transportation of nuclear material around the UK.

The visit offered a unique opportunity to learn more about NTS’s global nuclear operations, the rigorous safety measures, cutting-edge technology and diverse range of skills involved in the transportation of 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.”