IRS Joins NEMO to Advance Nuclear Energy in Maritime Sector

Classification societies DNV and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) have recently joined the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO), a group dedicated to advancing the integration of nuclear technology in the maritime industry. NEMO was established earlier this year by a consortium of companies interested in developing nuclear energy solutions for maritime applications. The London-based organization aims to collaborate with nuclear and maritime regulators to establish standards and regulations for the deployment, operation, and decommissioning of floating nuclear power.

During NEMO’s inaugural annual member meeting in September, working groups were formed to focus on maritime regulations, nuclear safety standards, and maritime nuclear liability and insurance. The association, which includes classification societies like Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas, RINA, and Korean Register, recently welcomed DNV and IRS as new members. DNV has been exploring the potential of nuclear power in decarbonizing the maritime sector, identifying it as a viable pathway to achieve the International Maritime Organization’s greenhouse gas targets while mitigating business uncertainty related to fuel costs.

DNV’s 2021 Technology Progress Report highlighted nuclear power as a promising decarbonization option for larger vessels in the global fleet, such as container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, and cruise ships. The organization also presented a comprehensive case study in its Maritime Forecast 2050 report in 2023, demonstrating the technical feasibility of installing smaller nuclear reactors on merchant vessels. Through their membership in NEMO, IRS has committed to addressing critical global challenges related to using nuclear energy as an alternative fuel for decarbonizing shipping, further emphasizing the industry’s shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

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