21 Mar 2025
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and NEMO, the industry association for floating nuclear, recently organised a pivotal workshop focused on "Maritime Nuclear Energy Safeguards by Design," signalling a proactive approach to ensuring the safe and secure deployment of nuclear power in the maritime sector.
Experts from the IAEA, NEMO, reactor vendors, regulatory bodies and supporting industry sectors gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with safeguarding mobile nuclear assets.
A central theme of the workshop was the recognition that traditional nuclear safeguards, primarily designed for stationary, land-based facilities under state control, may not be directly applicable to the emerging maritime nuclear landscape. With the potential for syndicated commercial operators and the movement of nuclear reactors across international waters and jurisdictions, new approaches are required.
Reactor designers showcased a range of advanced technologies, including Molten Chloride Fast Reactors, heat-pipe micro-reactors, and High Temperature Gas Reactors, each presenting distinct challenges and opportunities for safeguards implementation. The complexities of novel fuel cycles, the harsh marine environment, and the need for continuous tracking of nuclear materials on mobile platforms were key discussion points.
The IAEA provided a comprehensive overview of the existing international safeguards regime, including the various types of safeguards agreements and the verification measures employed to prevent the diversion of nuclear materials. The workshop participants explored how these fundamental principles can be adapted and applied to maritime scenarios, considering the intricacies of ownership, operation, and the potential transfer of nuclear facilities between states with different safeguards obligations. The crucial role of Flag States in facilitating IAEA inspections and the concept of a "Primary Port" for safeguards activities were also examined, highlighting the need for clear international protocols and cooperation.
A significant focus was placed on the concept of "Safeguards-by-Design" (SBD), advocating for the early integration of safeguards considerations into the design and development process of maritime nuclear reactors and vessels. This proactive approach aims to minimise the burden on operators, reduce the need for costly retrofitting, and facilitate the use of standardised safeguards equipment. The workshop included discussions on the specific types of containment and surveillance technologies likely to be deployed on FNPPs and nuclear ships, such as electronic seals, surveillance cameras, and remote data transmission systems, potentially leveraging satellite connectivity for continuous monitoring at sea.
Looking ahead, the workshop participants outlined a series of crucial next steps to establish a robust safeguards framework for maritime nuclear energy. These include the development of a detailed roadmap defining the applicable obligations, practical implementation strategies, and credible deployment scenarios. The roadmap will likely adopt a phased approach, starting with a narrow focus on specific applications and gradually expanding as experience and understanding grow. Innovative concepts such as the creation of dedicated "nuclear corridors" for maritime transit and even the possibility of a standalone "nuclear flag" for nuclear-powered vessels were floated as potential solutions to streamline regulatory and safeguards processes.
The collaborative spirit of the IAEA workshop underscores the commitment of both international regulatory bodies and the nuclear industry to address the unique safeguards challenges presented by the advent of maritime nuclear energy. By proactively engaging in discussions and planning at this early stage, stakeholders aim to ensure that the expansion of nuclear power into the maritime domain proceeds with the highest standards of safety, security, and non-proliferation.
The outcomes of this workshop are expected to lay the groundwork for the development of effective and efficient safeguards protocols that will be essential for the successful and responsible deployment of nuclear technology in the world's oceans.