IAEA Launches Initiative to Advance Nuclear Technologies for Maritime Applications

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched a new international initiative, ATLAS (Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea), aimed at advancing the development and deployment of civilian nuclear technologies in the maritime sector.

The initiative was launched in late August in Washington, D.C., bringing together representatives of 28 IAEA Member States, as well as experts and industry representatives. Discussions focused on the potential of nuclear energy in the maritime sector, as well as the regulatory, safety, security and other challenges associated with the development of these technologies.

Particular attention was given to advanced small modular reactors (SMRs), which could find applications in commercial shipping in the future. According to the IAEA, nuclear propulsion could enable faster maritime transport while reducing the need for frequent refuelling.

At the same time, floating nuclear power plants could provide flexible and reliable sources of electricity for coastal and remote communities, as well as industrial facilities.

The IAEA notes that these technologies are still at an early stage of development, with reactor designs, business models and operational concepts still being explored. One of the key objectives of ATLAS will therefore be to bring together the nuclear and maritime sectors to address issues related to safety, security and the effective implementation of safeguards for civilian nuclear activities at sea.

The initiative is technology-neutral, meaning that the IAEA does not promote or endorse specific reactor designs or vendors.

The next phase of ATLAS will include the establishment of a Steering Committee and several Project Groups tasked with addressing specific issues. The IAEA stressed that the initiative is not intended to operate indefinitely or duplicate the Agency’s existing activities, but rather to serve as a platform for international coordination and dialogue on nuclear technologies at sea.

During the Washington event, heads of delegations also visited the Port of Baltimore, where they toured the NS Savannah, the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship.

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