Nuclear-powered shipping moves toward deployment

The Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation (NEMO) reports that nuclear-powered commercial shipping is moving closer to deployment as international stakeholders work to resolve regulatory, legal, safety, and insurance barriers. A key development is the launch of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) ATLAS initiative in Washington, D.C., which aims to create practical frameworks for maritime nuclear technology by bringing together governments, regulators, and industry leaders.

NEMO CEO Virginia Crosbie stated that the industry debate is shifting from whether nuclear propulsion is viable to how it can be deployed. Beyond vessel propulsion, the potential market includes floating nuclear power plants and offshore energy to provide electricity to ports, islands, and coastal communities with limited grid capacity.

Interest in the sector is growing in the United States, where the Maritime Administration is consulting on advanced nuclear technologies. Additionally, the UK-based developer Core Power has announced plans to target the construction of its first US-flagged nuclear-powered ship starting in 2028.