The International Maritime Organization to Revise Regulations for Nuclear-Powered Ships

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has formally agreed to start the revision of outdated regulations for nuclear-powered ships. The decision was made during the 110th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee, where member states and NGOs called for a revision of the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships (Resolution A.491) and relevant parts of the SOLAS Convention.

A working group at MSC 110 has prepared instructions for relevant sub-committees to initiate the revision process. The Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) has been tasked with starting this work at its next session, scheduled for January 2026.

One of the key aspects of the revision is to ensure that the updated code is not limited to designs of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) with direct steam cycle propulsion systems. It should also address recent advances in new nuclear technologies and the all-electric-ship concept.

During a presentation by the World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) at MSC 110, Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER, expressed gratitude for the support of IMO delegates and highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between the IMO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in governing the safety and security of civilian nuclear shipping.

Looking ahead, the IAEA is set to launch the Atomic Technology Licensed for Application at Sea (ATLAS) project later this year. This initiative aims to facilitate the regulatory frameworks necessary for the deployment of nuclear propulsion and floating nuclear power plants.