The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) worked with a host of international organisations in the successful shipment of high enriched uranium (HEU) in a carefully planned joint mission.
ONR liaised closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and officials in the US and Venezuela, as part of the nuclear fuel transportation from South to North America.
ONR's oversight and approval of the shipment was required because a UK carrier was tasked with transporting the uranium and so the UK regulator had to assess the security plan, and issue relevant advice, to ensure the cargo was always adequately protected.
It was a meticulously coordinated effort, with stringent security measures in place throughout.
Inspectors ensured the nuclear material was handled under the strictest protocols, given the serious risks of potential for proliferation or becoming a security threat - should it ever be acquired by unauthorised parties.
About 13kg of HEU was safely and securely transported by land and sea from the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research shutdown research reactor near Caracas, Venezuela, to the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in South Carolina.
The movement began in late April and was taken to a Venezuelan port town and loaded onto a UK ship before it headed to the United States.
An ONR spokesperson said:
"We worked closely with domestic and international stakeholders to provide assurance that the necessary security measures were in place for key elements of this move of nuclear material.
"Our team worked at pace to meet challenging timelines, while maintaining the necessary diligence to support a proportionate and effective approach to nuclear security and safety throughout.
"The successful result was a testament to the dedication, teamwork and professionalism of all those involved."
Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, said: “This has been an example of the strong will, effective coordination, dedication and professionalism of all the parties involved."