A new paper by CORE POWER, NorthStandard and Lloyd’s Register (LR) has proposed a framework to support UK development of advanced, safe, small nuclear reactors as a reliable and scalable zero-emission maritime power source.
According to the “Advanced Maritime Nuclear: A unique opportunity for the UK” report, the UK is well positioned to lead the safe development and deployment of new nuclear power systems for commercial ships and Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs). The new paper sets out a policy framework for the UK Government to support the deployment of advanced small nuclear reactors on commercial ships and FNPPs.
The ability to commercially insure nuclear propelled ships will be vital to the success of bringing nuclear to maritime. It is important that governments understand the need for a civil marine nuclear liability convention within the framework of IMO and work towards creating an appropriate liability regime.
… said Paul Jennings, Managing Director, NorthStandard
Global shipping currently depends on fossil fuels for close to 99% of its energy consumption, but the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is aiming for its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to reach net zero by around 2050. However, alternative fuels options (including biodiesel, methanol, hydrogen and ammonia) face major cost, production, transportation and use challenges.
At COP 28, the UK pledged to triple its nuclear energy generation capacity. The Civil Nuclear Roadmap to 2050, published by the previous government, outlined plans to include a range of nuclear technologies—ranging from Advanced Small Modular Reactors (A-SMRs) to large-scale nuclear plants—as part of the UK’s energy mix. These new, advanced nuclear technologies, with their modular designs, offer straightforward manufacturing and regulatory approval processes, enabling significant energy efficiency gains for global shipping.
With the right investments and policies, the UK can develop a multi-billion-pound industry according to the report. In addition to zero pollution, nuclear powered ships would not rely on shore power in port and could even feed electricity into the grid.
FNPPs could also be used to alleviate the issues surrounding shore power and expensive connections to the UK national grid.
The UK has been at the centre of global shipping for centuries, and this report reinforces that maritime nuclear power is not only necessary to improve the energy effectiveness of shipping dramatically but also a £2.5 trillion economic opportunity. Over time, the cost of inaction will far outweigh the cost of being the champion in this rapidly emerging market.
… commented CORE POWER’s founder and CEO, Mikal Bøe
Recommendations: Actions for the UK government
Taking the lead in advancing A-SMR technologies for safe deployment in civil maritime will boost UK economic growth, investment, and job creation. To achieve this, the government should play a leading role by:
- Facilitating and coordinating dialogue between different governments and international organisations to update rules and regulations
- Providing educational campaigns around the value and safety management of nuclear technology
- Providing incentives for foreign investment in UK-based nuclear development
If the UK is to fully realise the opportunities afforded by civil nuclear marine technologies, the following government actions will be needed in the near term:
- The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) should officially widen the mandate of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the UK nuclear regulator, to include floating nuclear applications and provide them with the budget to do so
- The UK should take a leading role in revision of SOLAS Chapter VIII and the Nuclear Code (Resolution A.491)
- The UK must use its prominent position at the IMO to advance discussions on, and creation of, a global liability framework for operators of civil nuclear-powered ships
Following these initial actions, the report recommends the following longer-term actions:
- Facilitate interaction between relevant regulators, such as the ONR, Maritime Coastguard Agency, and local authorities, to enable the building, placing, and operating of nuclear-powered ships and FNPPs
- Consider risk-reduction, cost-share awards for advanced nuclear projects that meet certain parameters, including maritime nuclear
- Support domestic supply chains for components and nuclear fuel (including enrichment capability)
- Educate the public about nuclear energy
- Support decommissioning and handling of spent nuclear fuel
Commenting on the launch of the research paper, it was stated by Andy McKeran, LR’s Chief Commercial Officer, that as nuclear technology advances toward maritime applications, including Floating Nuclear Power Plants, global regulatory alignment becomes crucial.
Together, CORE POWER, NorthStandard and LR aim to expand on the potential role for safe and sustainable nuclear technology within the maritime industry at the next London International Shipping Week (LISW) in September 2025.
To remind, EMSA initiated a study on the potential for nuclear-electric ships which found that nuclear power for shipping seems to be a potential pathway for contributing to the decarbonization of the sector, but it presents a series of challenges that must first be addressed, including production, safety, security, training, and the liability and insurance regime.
