LR unpacks new guidance charting the path to nuclear propulsion at sea

The UK-based classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued new guidance aimed at offering the maritime industry its “first” roadmap for nuclear-powered shipping.

Dubbed the “Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime”, the document reportedly offers a pathway for the “safe and responsible” use of nuclear technology—an emerging but increasingly attractive solution for net-zero targets—in commercial shipping and offshore industries, with an additional emphasis on the regulatory and economic challenges within this landscape.

As disclosed, the guidance, which builds on LR’s “Fuel for Thought: Nuclear research programme”, was crafted in collaboration with Global Nuclear Security Partners (GNSP) and marine insurer NorthStandard.

It specifically defines steps that project teams need to take, such as outlining regulatory, technical, operational and financial requirements for integrating nuclear power (including small modular reactors, or SMRs) into maritime assets.

According to LR, due to the absence of an international regulatory framework, the society’s new document examined the roles of ‘key’ bodies, like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), spotlighting the significance of synergizing maritime and nuclear standards.