The work aims to conduct performance test and life prediction on the polyurethane foam filled in new fuel transport cask, so as to verify whether it meets the requirements of design performance and lifetime of the new fuel transport cask. The compression performance, water absorption, flame retardation and thermal insulation of rigid polyurethane foam filled in different parts of the new fuel transport cask were respectively tested. The heat aging property of rigid polyurethane foam fillings was studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis to predict its lifetime. According to the test results, the rigid polyurethane foam developed could comply with the requirements of design performance and lifetime of the new fuel transport cask. It was predicted that the lifetime was 34 years at 38 ℃. Under the condition of normal and accident transportation, the rigid polyurethane foam fillings are capable of properly protecting the fuel assembly. It establishes foundation for the localization of manufacturing new fuel transport cask.