Lloyd’s Register (LR) has introduced a pioneering roadmap aimed at facilitating the safe integration of nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping. This document, titled Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime, was developed in collaboration with Global Nuclear Security Partners (GNSP) and marine insurer NorthStandard. It offers a structured approach for shipowners, operators, and regulators, addressing all aspects from regulatory approval and vessel design to insurance and crew training.
As the maritime sector pursues sustainable, zero-carbon solutions, LR identifies nuclear technology, especially small modular reactors (SMRs), as a potential pathway for deep-sea decarbonisation. However, LR emphasizes the need for a comprehensive global framework that addresses safety, regulation, and liability, which is currently lacking.
The guidance underscores the importance of collaboration between the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to align nuclear and maritime regulatory standards. It covers critical areas such as safety classification, environmental impact, and the development of nuclear safety cases, while also addressing physical and cyber security measures, operational requirements, and emergency response planning.
Mark Tipping, LR’s Global Power to X Director, highlighted that nuclear propulsion could emerge as a scalable, zero-carbon energy source for shipping, contingent upon robust cooperation among regulators, operators, insurers, and the public. The new framework builds on LR’s previous research, Fuel for Thought: Nuclear, and aims to assist early adopters in navigating the intricate technical and financial challenges involved in deploying nuclear-powered vessels.
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