Nuclear bodies join forces to advance atomic-powered ship
New Partnership to Advance Nuclear Shipping Standards
The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) and the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation (NEMO) have forged a strategic partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at revolutionizing nuclear-powered shipping and transportable nuclear power plants. This collaboration seeks to establish international standards that emphasize safety, security, and sustainability in the transportation of nuclear materials and the deployment of nuclear energy at sea or in remote locations.
Collaborative Efforts for Safety and Regulation
WNTI will leverage its extensive experience in the international movement of nuclear and radioactive materials to ensure the safe transport of these substances and the operation of transportable nuclear power plants. Meanwhile, NEMO will take the lead on matters concerning nuclear-powered vessels, focusing on regulation, design, and operational protocols. Both organizations will work closely on initiatives related to floating nuclear power plants, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety and efficiency.
This partnership aligns with WNTI’s upcoming five-year strategy, set to launch later this year, which emphasizes delivery, collaboration, and the expansion of a global community dedicated to nuclear and radioactive materials transport. Concurrently, NEMO is enhancing its initiatives to facilitate the safe integration of civilian nuclear ships and mobile nuclear technologies into global markets.
To further their goals, WNTI and NEMO plan to engage with key global institutions, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Their aim is to influence the development of standards, regulatory frameworks, and technical guidance necessary to maximize the potential of nuclear technologies in maritime applications.
Global Regulatory Developments in Nuclear Shipping
This partnership emerges as the IAEA prepares to launch the Atomic Technology Licensed for Application at Sea (ATLAS) program later this year. This initiative is designed to assist nations in creating regulations and guidance for the transport of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the utilization of nuclear energy at sea. Additionally, the IMO has recently agreed to initiate a revision of outdated regulations governing nuclear-powered vessels.
During the 110th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee, various member states and non-governmental organizations presented proposals advocating for updates to the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships (Resolution A.491) and relevant sections of the SOLAS Convention. These discussions highlight the growing recognition of the need for modernized regulations to ensure the safe operation of nuclear-powered ships in international waters.
