Unthinkable just a few years ago, nuclear energy is gaining new attention in the shipping industry. Lloyd’s Register has now published a guideline to enable safe and responsible use.
The idea of running ships on nuclear energy was considered unrealistic just a few years ago. However, the climate debate has led to a change in thinking: parts of the maritime industry now consider nuclear energy as a possible option, and classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register (LR) are now seriously considering its use in shipping.
LR has now drawn up a guideline for the use of nuclear energy. According to the classification society, it positions “nuclear energy as a reliable maritime energy source and addresses the complex regulatory, safety and economic challenges of its integration”.
The document entitled “Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime” is intended to provide a “roadmap for the safe and responsible use of nuclear technology in the commercial shipping and offshore industry”.
Need for harmonization of maritime and nuclear standards
The guideline, which was developed in collaboration with Global Nuclear Security Partners (GNSP) and maritime insurer NorthStandard, outlines the practical steps that project teams need to take. It sets out the regulatory, technical, operational and financial requirements for the integration of nuclear technology – such as small modular reactors (SMRs) – into maritime installations.
Since, according to LR, no international regulatory framework exists to date, the document discusses the roles of key institutions such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and emphasizes the need for harmonization of maritime and nuclear standards.
It addresses topics such as safety classification, environmental impact assessments, structural integrity and the development of a sound nuclear safety case. Security aspects are also covered – with a focus on physical and digital protection and defense against internal threats.
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In addition, operational and financial issues are analyzed in detail, including staff qualifications, contingency planning and quality assurance throughout the project life cycle. The paper also addresses insurance and reinsurance issues and argues for a predictable liability framework to ensure commercial viability.
Mark Tipping, Global Power to X Director at LR, explains: “Nuclear power has the potential to fundamentally transform shipping by providing a scalable and emission-free energy source that can accelerate the industry’s energy transition. However, its adoption requires clarity, collaboration and trust between regulators, operators, insurers and society at large. This guidance provides a comprehensive starting point to manage opportunities and risks in equal measure.”
Helen Barden, Director External Affairs at NorthStandard, added: “NorthStandard is delighted to have contributed its expertise to the Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime guidance document. Together with Lloyd’s Register, we have examined the insurance and reinsurance aspects of nuclear energy – in particular the link between classification and insurance, the current P&I limitations on the pooling of nuclear risks and the importance of clear liability frameworks.
We welcome the growing recognition that nuclear energy could play a significant role in the decarbonization of shipping and are proactively supporting the maritime industry with the insurance and regulatory challenges ahead.”
