Nuclear waste storage canisters and method of fabricating the same

A method for fabricating a canister for dry storage of nuclear waste materials, the method comprising:

• providing a tubular first shell having a first end, a second end, and cavity extending between the first and second ends configured for storing nuclear waste materials, and a first base plate having an upturned annular flange defining a circumferential edge;
• abutting the circumferential edge of the upturned annular flange against the first end of the first shell to form a butt joint;
• welding the circumferential edge to the first end of the first shell with a full thickness butt weld to form a hermetic seal, the butt weld extending from an interior to an exterior of the butt joint;
• welding an annular peripheral edge of a first lid to the second end of the first shell to form a hermetic seal;
• and
• coupling an annular skirt to an exterior surface of each of the first shell and the first base plate such that the butt weld is encased by the annular skirt.