A new guidance report that promotes nuclear power as a reliable maritime energy source, and addresses the complex regulatory, safety and economic challenges of its integration has been published by Lloyd's Register (LR).
The 63-page report Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime Initial considerations for nuclear ships and offshore provides the first roadmap for the safe and responsible use of nuclear technology in commercial shipping and offshore industries.
According to the press release by Lloyd’s Register as the maritime sector accelerates its transition towards sustainable energy solutions, nuclear power has re-emerged as a viable solution to achieve net-zero ambitions. The guidance publication has been developed in partnership with Global Nuclear Security Partners (GNSP) and marine insurer NorthStandard.
It sets out the practical steps project teams must take – outlining regulatory, technical, operational and financial requirements for integrating nuclear technology, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), into maritime assets.
It says with no international regulatory framework yet in place, the document discusses the roles of key bodies, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), highlighting the importance of harmonising maritime and nuclear standards.
LR global power director Mark Tipping said, “Nuclear energy has the potential to transform maritime, providing a scalable and zero-carbon energy source that can accelerate the industry’s energy transition. However, its adoption requires clarity, collaboration and trust across regulators, operators, insurers and wider society.”
GNSP senior partner Nick Tomkinson said, “Maritime nuclear will only succeed when safety, security and safeguards are considered together from the start. This guidance document helps first movers align maritime and nuclear frameworks, apply goal-based approaches where prescriptive rules are absent, and build the confidence required by regulators, insurers and the public.”
NorthStandard director external affairs Helen Barden said, “We collaborated with Lloyd’s Register to explore the insurance and reinsurance considerations for nuclear energy - particularly the interlink between classification and insurance, current P&I limitations around pooling nuclear risks and the importance of liability frameworks.
“We welcome the growing recognition that nuclear could play a meaningful role in the decarbonisation of shipping and we are proactively supporting the maritime industry when it comes to the insurance and regulatory challenges ahead.”