NRI Annual Review 2026 - Flipbook - Page 16
Importantly, maritime nuclear represents
an evolution rather than a revolution.
Over 700 reactors have already operated
at sea through naval programmes over
the past seven decades1, demonstrating
their operational reliability in marine
environments. This operating history
provides a credible proof point for maritime
nuclear. The challenge now is not proving
the technology, but creating the frameworks
needed to enable commercial deployment.
Creating the conditions
for deployment
Maritime nuclear sits between two
regulatory authorities that have historically
evolved separately, the International
Maritime Organisation (IMO) sets the
regulation framework for the maritime
sector, while nuclear regulation is largely
supported by international standards and
guidance from the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA). In 2025 and 2026,
engagement between the IMO and IAEA
greatly increased with both organisations
recognising the need to support the safe
and secure deployment of civil maritime
nuclear technologies.
Bringing these systems together in a
practical and internationally accepted way
is one of the defining challenges facing the
sector that will require close collaboration
between regulators, governments, insurers
and industry participants.
Industry participation through organisations
such as the NEMO is helping ensure
that technical expertise informs this
international work. NEMO is bringing
together stakeholders from across the
maritime, nuclear, insurance and regulatory
communities to develop the frameworks
required for future deployment. NRI is
contributing to these discussions through its
participation on NEMO’s Board and Working
Group 3 “Annorax” with it focus on liability
and insurance. This helps bring nuclear
liability and risk management expertise into
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Maritime nuclear is no
longer a question of
whether the technology
can work. The technology
already exists. The
challenge now is building
the frameworks required
for commercial deployment.
the development of future regulatory and
commercial frameworks.
The launch of the IAEA’s ATLAS initiative
represents another important step, bringing
together governments, regulators and
industry to address the practical requirements
for deploying floating nuclear power plants
and maritime nuclear applications.
Industry led initiatives are also helping
- Lloyd’s Register recently launched the
MarNuc consortium with NRI as a member
to explore how advanced reactors could be
integrated into maritime applications and
identify where regulatory frameworks require
further development.
Governments are increasingly engaging
too. In September 2025, the UK and US
signed a Memorandum of Understanding
regarding the Technology Prosperity
Deal. This committed both countries to
explore opportunities for civil maritime
nuclear applications, including by taking an
active role in the creation of international
standards, the potential establishment
of a maritime shipping corridor between
the two nations and the strengthening
of energy resilience for defence facilities.
These international partnerships are likely to
underpin early deployment projects.
