16 Oct 2025
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has released Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime, a comprehensive guidance document outlining the safe and responsible integration of nuclear technology into commercial shipping and offshore operations. Developed in collaboration with Global Nuclear Security Partners (GNSP) and marine insurer NorthStandard, the document provides a practical roadmap for project teams, covering regulatory, technical, operational, and financial considerations. It emphasizes the potential of nuclear power, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), to support the maritime sector’s transition to net-zero emissions.
The guidance addresses the absence of a unified international regulatory framework and highlights the roles of key organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It explores critical topics including safety classification, environmental assessments, structural integrity, and nuclear safety cases. Security protocols, including cyber and physical protection, are also detailed.
Operational and financial aspects such as personnel training, emergency planning, and insurance challenges are examined. The document advocates for a predictable liability framework to ensure commercial viability and builds on LR’s prior nuclear research to support stakeholders in navigating the complexities of maritime nuclear adoption. - To read the article, please click here