The Future of Nuclear Shipping: WNTI and NEMO Join Forces

The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) and the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation (NEMO) have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on shaping the future of nuclear-powered shipping and transportable nuclear power plants.

One of the primary goals of this partnership is to promote the development of international standards that prioritize safety, security, and sustainability in both the transport of nuclear and radioactive materials and the use of nuclear energy at sea or in remote deployment locations.

WNTI, with its decades of experience in international nuclear and radioactive materials movement, will focus on ensuring the safe transport of nuclear materials and transportable nuclear power plants.

On the other hand, NEMO will take the lead on issues related to nuclear-powered and propelled ships, covering areas such as regulation, design, and operations. Both organizations will collaborate closely on floating nuclear power plants as well.

Additionally, the partnership will support the launch of WNTI’s new five-year strategy, which emphasizes delivery, partnership, and the growth of a global nuclear and radioactive materials transport community. Concurrently, NEMO is expanding its efforts to ensure the safe integration of civilian nuclear ships and mobile nuclear technologies in global markets.

By engaging with key global institutions such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), WNTI and NEMO aim to influence the development of standards, regulatory frameworks, and technical guidance necessary to unlock the full potential of these technologies.

This collaboration comes at a crucial time as the United Nations’ IAEA prepares to launch the Atomic Technology Licensed for Application at Sea (ATLAS) program later this year. This initiative is designed to assist countries in developing regulations and guidance for the transport of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the utilization of nuclear energy at sea.

Furthermore, the recent decision by the IMO to revise outdated regulations for nuclear-powered ships underscores the importance of this partnership. During the 110th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee, proposals were put forth for the revision of the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships (Resolution A.491) and relevant sections of the SOLAS Convention.