NAC International’s OPTIMUS®-H Powers Safe and Strategic Fuel Removal from Gentilly-1
Peachtree Corners, GA — NAC International Inc. (NAC) proudly announces the successful deployment of its OPTIMUS®-H transportation packaging system in support of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) recent milestone: the complete removal of spent nuclear fuel from the Gentilly-1 reactor site in Québec. This achievement marks a pivotal step in Canada’s nuclear decommissioning program and underscores the critical role of advanced nuclear packaging and logistics in enabling safe, efficient, and compliant facility spent fuel relocation projects.
Over 3,000 spent fuel bundles, representing 62.7 tonnes of uranium, were securely transported more than 500 kilometers to Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario. The OPTIMUS-H system, designed and supplied by NAC International, was central to this operation, providing the shielding, structural integrity, and modular flexibility required to meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
The OPTIMUS-H system was selected for this mission based on its:
- Robust Safety Certifications: Licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and compliant with international standards for impact, fire, and immersion resistance
- Packaging content includes CANDU fuel baskets
- Modular, scalable road transport design: Enables efficient loading and unloading, reducing operational complexity and turnaround time in large spent fuel shipping campaigns
“The successful execution of this project is a testament to the strength of our technology and the dedication of our team,” said Kent Cole, President and CEO of NAC International. “OPTIMUS-H is a versatile solution that is adaptable for spent fuel management missions like this—where safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. We are proud to support Canada’s stewardship in responsible nuclear decommissioning.”
Supporting Canada’s Long-Term Nuclear Strategy
The fuel removed from Gentilly-1 is now in safe interim storage at Chalk River, pending the development of a deep geological repository. This operation not only advances Canada’s long-term waste management goals but also demonstrates the strategic value and capability of modern transport systems such as OPTIMUS-H in:
- Ensuring safety and regulatory compliance
- Building public confidence
- Enhancing operational efficiency
- Supporting the sustainability of nuclear infrastructure
The successful completion of the Gentilly-1 spent fuel shipping campaign provides a valuable reference project that demonstrates spent fuel transportation is safe and well-executed in Canada.
About NAC International
NAC International Inc. (www.nacintl.com) is a diversified corporation specializing in developing and licensing technology and providing full scope services for used nuclear fuel and radioactive materials packaging, storage, transport, and management. Since 1968, NAC has been a leader in providing solutions and services to the nuclear industry throughout the world, working with both government and commercial organizations. NAC provides a broad range of fuel cycle-related consulting and information services to clients worldwide. NAC maintains its corporate headquarters in Peachtree Corners, GA. NAC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kanadevia Corporation, a global leader in design and construction of environmental systems, industrial plants, industrial machinery, process equipment, infrastructure-related equipment, disaster prevention systems, and precision machinery.
For additional information on NAC International Inc. please visit: www.nacintl.com
