Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) is celebrating after an employee was named in this year’s New Year’s Honours list.

Peter Buchan, Managing Director of Shipping, has received an MBE for services to the nuclear industry and young people.

Pete’s career spans over 32 years and in that time he has played a key role in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group’s international business and ensuring the world-wide safe transport and storage of nuclear materials from across the globe.

Speaking of his pride at receiving the honour Pete said: “I was shocked when I received the letter and it took a while to sink in as I didn’t think I would be worthy of such an award.

“It’s a privilege to work in this industry, and when I think back to joining as a graduate all those years ago, never did I think this would happen to me.

“I’ve worked on some fantastic and challenging projects that have made a real difference to global nuclear safety and security, and for this to be recognised at the highest levels is such an honour.”

One project Pete led was to ensure the largest civilian move of plutonium powder and highly-enriched uranium was safely completed when it was shipped from Japan to the USA. This transport operation was an important milestone in global efforts to secure nuclear materials, and reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation. The shipment was hailed by the then President of the United States, Barack Obama, as “The largest project in history to remove nuclear material from a country” and acknowledged in letters of thanks from the US Department of Energy to the UK Government.

Pete added: “This wouldn’t have been possible without my brilliant colleagues. Throughout my career I’ve worked with some of the most dedicated, committed and intelligent people in the industry and I just want to thank them all for their help over the years.”