UK launches maritime nuclear consortium

Convened by Lloyd’s Register (LR), the consortium brings together expertise from the nuclear, maritime, insurance and regulatory sectors to develop international standards for nuclear propulsion at sea.

LR recently sponsored our Special Report into nuclear marine propulsion which you can read here.

“Decarbonisation demands cleaner power, higher standards and a duty to the generations that follow,” said Nick Brown, chief executive of Lloyd’s Register. “Nuclear is ready to meet that test. If the UK leads on global standards, nuclear will mean more than zero-carbon ships. It will mean work in British shipyards, new business in the City and lasting jobs for those who build, insure and sail the world’s fleet.”

Maritime nuclear power is already a proven technology in naval fleets, and supporters argue that the next generation of advanced modular reactors (AMR) could transform commercial shipping. These reactors can operate for years without refuelling, produce zero carbon emissions and allow vessels to sail at full design speed without relying on slow steaming to meet emissions targets.

The consortium’s core members include Rolls-Royce, which will lead on reactor design; Babcock International Group, responsible for ship design and support; Global Nuclear Security Partners, covering security and safeguards; law firm Stephenson Harwood; marine insurer NorthStandard and Lloyd’s Register, acting as safety lead and secretariat.

The consortium’s first programme will focus on demonstrating a Statement of Design Acceptability for a generic AMR, developing a class certification framework, defining security and safeguards and establishing clear pathways for insuring nuclear-powered vessels.