In May, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosted the 24th INPRO Dialogue Forum in Vienna, drawing 64 experts from 27 countries to discuss accelerating the deployment of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs).
Aline des Cloizeaux, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Power, emphasised the importance of industry collaboration, stating, “Maritime applications of nuclear power have considerable potential to make major contributions to the clean energy transition.”
“FNPP’s and nuclear propelled ships could be a catalyst to accelerate the deployment of SMRs,” said Federico Puente-Espel, Maritime Nuclear Strategy leader at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore and Chair of the 24th INPRO Dialogue Forum.
This week’s CONVOY event, “New Nuclear for Maritime Business Models,” offered attendees an in-depth look at how floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) and maritime nuclear technologies are reshaping the commercial outlook for global shipping and energy infrastructure.
Brought together by CORE POWER’s leading experts, the session began with an overview of deployment models for FNPPs and nuclear-powered ships, highlighting the LIBERTY program. Attendees were walked through the regulatory landscape and developments, ownership models, as well as fuel-cycle strategies – positioning nuclear as a clean, scalable solution.
Discussions poised new nuclear not only as a viable low-emission solution, but as part of a global multitrillion-dollar market opportunity.
The event had open Q&A sessions throughout, where attendees had the chance to engage directly with presenters and dig deeper into the commercial and regulatory pathways for nuclear-powered maritime solutions.
Learn more about how you can join the CONVOY Program and attend the next event here.
International Alignment in Nuclear Standards: latest panel announcement
With less than a month to go until the European Summit, we are pleased to announce the International Alignment in Nuclear Standards panel.
This distinguished session will feature leading international voices in the nuclear sector, who will explore the essential role of global institutions in shaping the regulatory and policy frameworks required to enable the deployment of nuclear technologies in the maritime industry.
Shaping the future: Academic Resources Online Conference
This virtual event will feature presentations from students across leading universities, where attendees will hear original research and fresh insights from the next generation of engineers and nuclear specialists.
The conference is part of CORE POWER’s wider efforts to build the ecosystem needed for maritime nuclear energy – from developing nuclear reactors to fostering a workplace that will bring it to life.
Presentation by Jessica Chow titled A systems engineering perspective on integrated advanced nuclear and thermal energy storage systems for civilian maritime
Presentation by Masao Uesaka
Presentation by Geneve Mangan titled Design of a research advanced gas reactor
Presentation by Jonas Viddal titled Nuclear power for large yachts
Presentation by Tara Arti Gnanadesikan titled Sustainable Baltic Sea Research Vessel Design
Presentation by Etienne Vaquier titled Research and development of a lasting neutron poison injection system for emergency shutdown of a molten salt fast reactor operating in a floating nuclear power plant
Presentation by Jacob Van de Lindt titled Tritium generation of flows onboard a nuclear container ship
Presentation by Hal Berdichesky titled Understanding the ship reactor interface: Pathways of influence for maritime advanced nuclear reactor integration
Join the discussion on Wednesday 25th June, secure your place today.
The World Bank has formally ended its decades-long ban on funding nuclear energy projects, paving the way for nuclear to be considered in development funding where it aligns with national energy and climate goals.
Through a partnership with the International Atomic Agency (IAEA), the World Bank Group will “begin to re-enter the nuclear space,” supporting countries in extending the life of existing reactors, upgrading grids, and advancing the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) – a move aligned with forecasts that global electricity demand will double by 2035.
Belgian companies investigate floating nuclear power plant
Maritime company Exmar and nuclear research centre SCK CEN have begun exploring the feasibility of building a floating nuclear power plant.
The initiative, announced during a ministerial visit to the Port of Antwerp, positions Belgium to leverage its “unique expertise” said Exmar CEO Carl-Antoine Saverys.
Two reactor designs are being reviewed: a second-generation model and a more advanced fourth-generation version producing minimal waste.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled technology are also being evaluated, supported by Belgium’s federal coalition agreement.
UN Nuclear Agency launches maritime push in Greece
The IAEA’s Director General Rafael Marino Grossi held talks with leading Greek shipowners and government officials in Athens to accelerate the development of nuclear-powered commercial vessels.
The talks took place under ATLAS (Atomic Technology Licensed for Application at Sea), a new initiative aimed at creating international safety and regulatory frameworks to help integrate nuclear reactors into the mainstream maritime space.
Grossi described the meeting as a pivotal moment for the industry: “We are at an important moment for nuclear science and technology.” Greece plays a key role in the maritime industry, and is a vital partner in advancing this effort.
