18 Aug 2025
Bureau Veritas’s August 2025 whitepaper, “The Role of Nuclear in Shipping Decarbonization,” positions nuclear energy as a serious contender in the race to decarbonize maritime transport. Far from theoretical, the report outlines practical applications for nuclear power—via Generation III+ and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—to fuel ships, ports, and coastal plants. Industry leaders like CMA CGM, PSA International, and ONET contributed insights, reinforcing the urgency of action.
While the technology is ready, outdated regulations pose a major barrier. The report calls on the IMO, IAEA, and national authorities to develop harmonized frameworks that enable safe and scalable deployment. Economically, nuclear could outpace alternative fuels if SMRs achieve cost-efficiency, especially through government-backed pilot projects.
Challenges remain—radioactive waste, crew training, cybersecurity, and insurance—but the report argues these are solvable with coordinated effort. It forecasts nuclear-powered ships by 2040–2045, with port-based reactors arriving sooner. Ultimately, the whitepaper is a call to action: regulators must modernize rules, governments must invest, and the industry must prepare. The next decade will determine whether nuclear becomes a cornerstone of maritime sustainability—or a missed opportunity. Read more