Agency says closer cooperation needed between nuclear and maritime communities
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea, or Atlas, a global initiative to support the use of nuclear power in civilian shipping and floating nuclear power plants.
The agency said growing interest in nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants has pointed to the need for closer cooperation between the nuclear and maritime communities.
In a joint statement, 25 countries committed to Atlas, calling it “the first step towards revolutionising the civil nuclear maritime industry”.
A forum to mark the launch of Atlas is being hosted by the US over two days in Washington.
The International High-level Forum on the Atlas Launch brings together around 600 participants from over 50 countries, as well as international organisations, industry leaders, the maritime sector and port authorities, marking the first globally coordinated effort to connect the nuclear and maritime sectors.
The IAEA said maritime transport carries around 80% of global trade. As demand for seaborne trade continues to grow by around 2% annually, so does the need for reliable long-distance transport solutions that enhance energy security.
“Nuclear power, including through advanced and innovative reactor technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs), offers high energy density and long endurance, which could allow ships to operate for extended periods without refuelling,” the IAEA said.
“Floating nuclear power plants could provide reliable energy to coastal and remote communities, as well as to offshore industries where conventional infrastructure is limited.”
Opening the Washington event, IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi described nuclear power as a potential turning point for the maritime sector.
“Atlas is launching at precisely the right time,” Grossi said. “By bringing together the nuclear and maritime sectors, we have the opportunity to shape the future of two crucial industries – energy and shipping – and to build global confidence in the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology at sea.”
US Energy secretary Chris Wright spoke at the opening session. He said: “The work accomplished at this ministerial brings us closer to turning the promise of offshore nuclear energy and nuclear-powered shipping into commercial reality.”
Following the launch of Atlas, the IAEA will begin its implementation through six expert project groups working towards an integrated Atlas framework. These groups – comprised of country, industry and other stakeholder representatives – will begin practical work this year to address the safety, security, safeguards and regulatory aspects, whilst taking account of deployment scenarios and other attributes of nuclear-powered shipping and floating nuclear power plants.
