The question “Nuclear technologies for shipping?” is being asked more and more frequently in the context of debates on emissions and efficiency.
One of the most supportive voices comes from the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (Nemo), which was founded in 2024 and is based in London. As is well known, the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) is also based there. And it is precisely there that the proponents of nuclear technology want to have a stronger say in the future.
An important step in this direction is the opportunity to be heard at the highest level. Nemo has now scored a prestigious success in this regard: The IMO has now granted Nemo NGO advisor status. The organization, which currently represents 34 members – including various classification societies, shipowners, ship managers and insurance companies – is also pleased that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna will invite it to participate in meetings of its General Assembly in future.
“This important milestone reflects the growing importance of nuclear innovation in the maritime sector for achieving global decarbonization and energy security goals,” said Nemo CEO Mamdouh El-Shanawany. “We are honored to be working with the IMO and the IAEA.”
El-Shanawany had already made it clear in an extensive interview with HANSA last fall that he wants to become much more involved in the debates on maritime propulsion systems (read the interview in HANSA issue 10/2024).
An official statement continues: “This is a significant step in Nemo’s mission to promote the safe, sustainable and responsible use of nuclear energy in the maritime sector. As an officially recognized non-governmental organization, we will now actively contribute to global discussions and policy development at the highest levels of international governance at the IAEA and IMO,” a statement reads.
The new status will enable Nemo to provide expert knowledge, technical advice and strategic recommendations on the integration of nuclear technologies into shipping, offshore energy systems and floating nuclear power plants. Nemo is expected to actively participate in the IAEA’s ATLAS initiative. ATLAS (Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea) is due to start later this year and is the IAEA’s international program to support the development of a regulatory framework for nuclear energy at sea.
