The maritime industry operates at an extraordinary scale, moving the vast majority of global trade across oceans every day. Supporting this activity requires energy systems that can perform continuously, predictably and far from shore-based infrastructure. Shipping operates at a scale that sets uniquely high requirements for energy system performance.
As ships have grown larger and more efficient, uninterrupted energy supply has become increasingly central to maritime operations. Limited onboard space, long distances between ports and the requirement for reliable performance mean that energy solutions must deliver high power density and continuous output at a global scale. Replacing conventional bunker fuel is therefore not a simple substitution but a structural challenge shaped by physics, infrastructure and economics.
Nuclear energy is inherently designed to operate continuously and at scale. With high energy density and a compact footprint, it aligns closely with the operational realities of maritime transport. These questions are no longer theoretical. They are increasingly shaping how ships are designed, built and regulated.
With the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction meeting next week to consider issues related to nuclear-powered ships, the link between energy supply and ship design is coming into sharper focus.
D.C. speaker spotlight
We’re pleased to announce that Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, U.S. Representative for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District and Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, will join the summit this February.
As Subcommittee Chairman, Congressman Fleischmann leads funding decisions for the federal agencies and programmes responsible for the United States’ national laboratories, nuclear security and long-term energy independence. His role places him at the centre of U.S. nuclear and energy policy, with direct oversight of the institutions and infrastructure that underpin innovation, security and deployment.
His subcommittee responsibilities are also critical to regions home to major nuclear assets, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex, as well as significant environmental clean-up missions – all of which rely on appropriations overseen by his committee.
At the summit, Congressman Fleischmann will deliver a keynote presentation at 10:50am, offering his perspective on the policy and funding priorities shaping the future of nuclear energy, including its potential role in maritime applications.
With the summit now sold out, a waitlist is available for those still wishing to attend.
Virginia Crosbie appointed Managing Director of NEMO
Virginia Crosbie has been appointed Managing Director of NEMO, bringing with her experience from across public service and the nuclear sector.
During her time as a UK Member of Parliament from 2019 to 2024, she played a leading role in nuclear policy, heading the Nuclear Delivery Group and chairing the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Small Modular Reactors. Virginia continues to be active in the sector as Chair of Supporters of Nuclear Energy (SONE) and a board director of the Nuclear Institute.
Her appointment comes as NEMO builds on its growing international profile. As Managing Director, Virginia will focus on strengthening delivery across the organisation, growing membership and partnerships and ensuring NEMO’s working groups and convening activity translate into clear, tangible impact.
| New nuclear in the news |
| Stay up to date with the latest news and insights on new nuclear developments below: |
- WNN: Argentina and Brazil MoU on maritime nuclear regulation
- E&E News: DOE kills decades-old radiation safety standard
