The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has formally agreed to start the revision of outdated regulations for nuclear-powered ships with work expected to begin in January 2026.

The IMO, the United Nations’ specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping, said a recent session of its maritime safety committee heard proposals from several member states and NGOs calling for a revision of the regulations, officially known as the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships and relevant parts of the Solas Convention.

The Solas Convention is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, an international maritime treaty which sets out minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment and operation of merchant ships.