Staff writer

OSAKA -- Two British ships carrying nearly 500 kg of mixed plutonium-uranium fuel are in Japan this week unloading their cargo. But, as the ships prepare for the second leg of their journey to Fukui Prefecture, local and international criticism over the security arrangements is growing.

The 4,600-ton Pacific Teal, carrying about 210 kg of MOX fuel, unloaded its cargo Monday in Fukushima. Docking of the ship, which arrived off Fukushima on Sept. 22, had been delayed due to adverse weather conditions.