Momentum builds behind nuclear shipping
At the recent Posidonia 2026 event, a high-level roundtable convened by LR brought together key stakeholders from the maritime and nuclear sectors to discuss the practical steps necessary for the successful deployment of nuclear-powered commercial ships. This gathering highlighted the increasing interest in nuclear propulsion as the shipping industry aims to achieve net-zero emissions.
Creating a Regulatory Framework for Nuclear-Powered Ships
One of the main themes that emerged from the roundtable discussions was the importance of establishing an international regulatory framework that can adapt to evolving technologies. Participants emphasized the need for regulatory certainty to support the development and deployment of nuclear-powered ships. Karine Herviou, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), underscored the significance of regulatory predictability in light of advancing technologies.
Collaboration Across Industries for Progress
The roundtable discussions also emphasized the essential role of collaboration between the maritime and nuclear industries. It was recognized that regulatory bodies, technology developers, and operators must work together from the early stages of development to ensure the successful implementation of nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping.
Technical Advancements and Achievements
LR CEO Nick Brown highlighted the rapid pace of development in reactor technology, noting that small modular reactors are expected to become operational in the near future. Deployable Energy, for example, recently achieved criticality with its Unity demonstration reactor at Idaho National Laboratory, showcasing the technical feasibility of nuclear propulsion. LR Advisory has been actively involved in supporting the development of advanced microreactors for potential use in the maritime sector.
Looking Towards the Future
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, participants at the roundtable expressed a growing willingness to explore the commercial viability of nuclear-powered ships. Discussions also centered on how nuclear propulsion could complement other zero-carbon fuel pathways in the coming years. Initiatives like ATLAS aim to address key regulatory and safety challenges to facilitate the safe deployment of civil nuclear technologies in maritime applications.
Accelerating Regulatory Progress
Progress is also being made at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with plans to adopt a new nuclear code by 2032, four years earlier than initially anticipated. This reflects the increasing pace of international regulatory efforts to keep up with advancements in reactor technology.
As the maritime industry continues to pursue decarbonization goals, the interest and momentum surrounding nuclear-powered shipping are expected to grow. Collaborative efforts and advancements in technology are key to realizing the potential of nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping. Lloyd’s Register (LR) recently made a significant announcement during Posidonia, revealing a joint development project with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, G-Marine Service, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). The project aims to explore the application of an advanced small modular reactor on a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).
The focus of the project is to study how a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) could be integrated into a large vehicle carrier. This comprehensive examination includes aspects such as reactor placement, shielding requirements, vessel stability, propulsion arrangements, and cargo capacity.
Safety is a top priority in this endeavor, with LR taking the lead on hazard identification and preliminary risk assessment activities. The team is evaluating containment, onboard safety systems, and operational considerations related to nuclear propulsion.
An important milestone was achieved with the award of an Approval in Principle (AiP), confirming the feasibility of the concept at a preliminary design stage and laying the groundwork for further development.
Sung-Gu Park, President – North East Asia at LR, emphasized the significance of building technical understanding now to support future progress in nuclear propulsion. He highlighted the value of establishing feasibility at the concept stage, particularly in areas like cargo optimization, vessel stability, and integrated safety design.
Concept studies play a crucial role in providing insights into future nuclear technologies and their potential integration into commercial vessels. These studies help identify engineering, operational, and safety considerations that will shape future designs.
In addition to the joint development project, efforts are underway to prepare ports for nuclear shipping. LR, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, CORE POWER, and A.P. Moller – Maersk collaborated on a study to explore the requirements for nuclear-powered commercial ships to make routine port calls in Rotterdam. The study delved into emergency planning, regulatory responsibilities, port infrastructure, and stakeholder coordination to address practical considerations associated with port calls by nuclear-powered merchant vessels.
These initiatives, along with others like ATLAS and concept vessel studies, underscore a broader shift towards considering the ecosystem needed to support commercial nuclear shipping. This includes regulation, vessel assurance, port operations, and infrastructure.
This progressive approach reflects the ongoing work across regulation, technology development, and assurance to pave the way for the future of nuclear-powered shipping.
