Lloyd’s Register to use generative AI to advance the application of nuclear technology in maritime in collaboration with Microsoft

Lloyd’s Register is set to become a pioneer in the maritime sector by integrating generative AI into its permitting processes, utilizing the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. This innovative approach aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding nuclear technology, facilitating its deployment in maritime applications. By analyzing historical licensing data, the AI technology promises to expedite the creation of permitting documents, ultimately making nuclear energy a more viable clean energy solution.

Transforming Nuclear Regulation with AI

The collaboration between Lloyd’s Register and Microsoft marks a significant advancement in the regulatory landscape for nuclear technology. The generative AI capabilities will allow licensing engineers to draft new permitting documents more efficiently, streamlining the review process. This technology can swiftly search through extensive regulatory datasets to uncover relevant regulations, precedents, and critical information that may otherwise remain hidden.

Mark Tipping, Global Offshore Power To X Director at Lloyd’s Register, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He noted that the organization possesses a wealth of data from decades of regulatory applications, which the AI can analyze to identify best practices and lessons learned. “Together, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in deploying nuclear technology, which is navigating complex, slow, and costly licensing processes,” Tipping stated.

The integration of AI into the regulatory process is expected to create a faster and more cost-effective pathway for nuclear technology, which is essential for its acceptance as a clean energy alternative. Tipping highlighted the potential of AI to unlock new opportunities in floating nuclear power, offshore energy, and ship power applications.

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

This partnership has been driven by Lloyd’s Register’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) team, with Deputy Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Jeff Scott playing a pivotal role in engaging with Microsoft. Scott remarked, “Regulations shouldn’t be a roadblock to innovation – they should be a launchpad.” He expressed enthusiasm about using AI to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate the future of nuclear energy in maritime contexts.

Darryl Willis, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Energy & Resources Industry, echoed this sentiment, stating that the collaboration highlights a commitment to leveraging AI for innovation and sustainability across various sectors. “By combining our AI expertise with Lloyd’s Register’s knowledge of maritime and nuclear safety, we are paving the way to ease regulatory barriers and make sustainability more attainable for all industries,” Willis added.

This groundbreaking initiative not only aims to enhance the regulatory process but also positions both organizations at the forefront of integrating advanced technology into the maritime and nuclear sectors, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy future.