Learning from the pioneers of maritime nuclear: Former NS Savannah operator visits CORE POWER U.S.

by admin July 24, 2026

July 24, 2026 2 views

More than 60 years after its launch, the NS Savannah still offers valuable lessons for the future of maritime nuclear.

CORE POWER recently welcomed former reactor operator Bucky Owens to meet up with our U.S. team and share first-hand insights from the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship.

The discussion explored the rigorous training, qualifications and operational culture behind the program, and how that experience could inform workforce development for future nuclear-powered vessels and floating nuclear power plants.

As maritime nuclear moves towards a new generation of projects, the knowledge gained from pioneering programs such as the NS Savannah remains highly relevant.

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NRC and Interior Agency establish framework for offshore nuclear projects

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for offshore nuclear projects on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

This is an important step towards establishing a clear regulatory pathway for offshore civilian nuclear energy projects in the U.S. By defining the respective roles of the NRC and the Department of the Interior’s Marine Minerals Administration, this MOU helps create greater certainty for future developers and supports more coordinated project delivery.

Regulatory clarity is a critical enabler for the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, including offshore and maritime applications.

Accelerating Nuclear: Summit videos now live

Delivering maritime nuclear at scale will require more than advanced reactors. It will depend on the industrial capability to build them efficiently and repeatedly.

In this session, industry leaders explore how shipyards could become the foundation of a new approach to nuclear deployment. The discussion examines how modular construction, standardization and advanced manufacturing could enable floating nuclear power plants and other maritime nuclear technologies to be produced more efficiently than traditional land-based projects.

Speakers also discuss the workforce, investment and international partnerships needed to build the industrial ecosystem required for commercial deployment, highlighting the central role shipyards could play in creating a scalable maritime nuclear industry.

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