IAEA Launches Global Initiative to Advance Nuclear-Powered Shipping and Offshore Energy

The shipping industry is responsible for transporting around 80 percent of global trade by volume, making it one of the most important components of the world economy.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is launching a major new initiative aimed at accelerating the development of nuclear-powered shipping and offshore energy systems, marking what experts describe as a potentially transformative moment for the global maritime industry.

The initiative, known as Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS), will be officially unveiled during a ministerial-level event hosted by the United States in Washington, D.C., on August 26–27. The programme is designed to support the exploration and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), for civilian maritime applications. These include powering commercial ships, supporting offshore industrial operations, and providing energy to remote coastal communities through floating nuclear power plants.

As governments and industries search for ways to reduce emissions, improve energy security, and strengthen supply chains, nuclear technology is increasingly being viewed as a potential solution for some of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise.

The IAEA believes the ATLAS initiative could play a crucial role in helping member states establish the regulatory, safety, and technical frameworks needed to support the safe adoption of nuclear-powered maritime technologies.

Maritime Industry Searching for Cleaner Energy Solutions

The shipping industry is responsible for transporting around 80 percent of global trade by volume, making it one of the most important components of the world economy. However, maritime transport is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for roughly three percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. As international pressure grows to reduce emissions and achieve climate targets, shipping companies are exploring a range of alternative fuels and propulsion technologies.

Options under consideration include hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels, battery-electric systems, and nuclear energy. Nuclear propulsion has attracted renewed interest because of its ability to provide large amounts of continuous power without producing direct carbon emissions during operation. Unlike conventional vessels that require frequent refuelling, ships powered by nuclear reactors could potentially operate for years without needing new fuel. Supporters argue this could dramatically improve operational efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and extend the range and speed of commercial shipping routes.

Small Modular Reactors at the Centre of New Developments

The growing interest in maritime nuclear power is closely linked to advances in small modular reactor technology. SMRs are compact nuclear reactors designed to be safer, more flexible, and more cost-effective than traditional large-scale nuclear power plants. Because of their smaller size and modular construction, SMRs can be deployed in locations where conventional reactors may not be practical.

The technology is increasingly being considered for applications beyond electricity generation, including industrial processes, remote power supply, district heating, and maritime transportation.

According to the IAEA, the high energy density of SMRs makes them particularly attractive for ships and offshore facilities that require reliable, long-term power sources. "Nuclear energy is fast emerging as a potential game-changer for both the shipping and offshore industries," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

"It offers an unprecedented opportunity: not only could it enable ships to sail cleanly, further and faster without frequent refuelling, the high energy density of small modular reactors provides clean energy for a range of operations."

Floating Nuclear Power Plants Gain Attention

In addition to nuclear-powered vessels, the ATLAS initiative will also examine the potential role of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). These facilities use nuclear reactors mounted on floating platforms or ships to generate electricity that can be supplied to coastal communities, ports, industrial zones, or offshore installations. Floating nuclear power plants are attracting increasing attention because they offer flexible energy solutions for regions where building conventional power infrastructure may be difficult or expensive.

They could also provide reliable electricity to remote communities, mining operations, desalination facilities, and offshore energy projects. Supporters argue that floating nuclear technologies may help improve energy access while supporting economic development in areas with limited energy resources. The IAEA believes advances in SMR technology are making such concepts increasingly feasible and commercially attractive.

Building a Framework for Safety and Security

While the potential benefits of nuclear maritime technologies are significant, experts acknowledge that safety, security, and regulatory challenges must be addressed before widespread deployment can occur. The ATLAS initiative is therefore focused not only on technological development but also on establishing robust international standards and governance frameworks.

According to the IAEA, the programme will bring together maritime regulators, nuclear experts, industry leaders, and governments to identify key obstacles and develop solutions. The initiative aims to ensure that all future maritime nuclear activities operate under the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. This could include recommendations for updating existing IAEA safety standards, strengthening nuclear security guidance, and improving international cooperation. The organisation also intends to support member states as they develop national regulatory systems capable of overseeing these emerging technologies.

A History of Nuclear-Powered Civilian Shipping

Although nuclear-powered shipping is often viewed as a future technology, civilian nuclear vessels have existed for decades.

The first civilian nuclear-powered ships were developed during the 1950s, when interest in peaceful applications of nuclear energy was expanding rapidly. The IAEA published its first safety report on nuclear ships in 1968. One of the most famous examples is the NS Savannah, the world's first nuclear-powered merchant ship, which was launched in the United States as part of the "Atoms for Peace" programme.

Although relatively few civilian nuclear vessels have been built since then, interest in the technology has grown in recent years as industries seek low-carbon alternatives to conventional marine fuels. The revival of interest is being driven largely by improvements in reactor design, advances in safety systems, and increasing pressure to decarbonise global transportation networks.

United States Hosts International Launch Event

The official launch of ATLAS will take place during a high-level ministerial meeting hosted by the United States in Washington, D.C. The event will bring together ministers from IAEA member states, technical experts, industry representatives, and international organisations.

Among the participating organisations will be the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which plays a central role in regulating global shipping. The first day of the event will feature ministerial statements and high-level panel discussions focused on the future of nuclear technologies in maritime applications. The second day will shift toward technical discussions, including presentations on the planned work programme for the ATLAS initiative.

Delegates will also visit the Port of Baltimore and tour the NS Savannah, offering participants a chance to examine the historic vessel that pioneered civilian nuclear-powered shipping.

United States Signals Strong Support

The United States has positioned itself as a strong supporter of the initiative and sees ATLAS as an opportunity to shape the future of maritime nuclear technology. U.S. Secretary of Energy Christopher Wright said the programme could help establish global standards while encouraging innovation. "The United States is honoured to host Director General Grossi, the IAEA, and its Member States for the ATLAS Ministerial Launch Event," Wright said. "ATLAS is an incredible opportunity to shape the next frontier of nuclear energy, ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation for all maritime applications." The United States has recently increased its focus on advanced nuclear technologies as part of broader efforts to strengthen energy security and support clean energy development.

Transforming Shipping and Offshore Energy

The launch of ATLAS comes at a time when the maritime sector is facing increasing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable global trade networks. Industry leaders are seeking technologies capable of delivering large-scale decarbonisation without compromising efficiency or competitiveness.

Director General Grossi believes nuclear energy could become a critical component of that transition. "The launch of ATLAS is a key opportunity to advance technological development, foster innovation and support Member States and the shipping industry as they consider nuclear technologies for maritime applications," he said. If successful, the initiative could help lay the foundation for a new generation of nuclear-powered commercial vessels and offshore energy systems.

By bringing together governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders, the IAEA hopes to accelerate innovation while ensuring that safety, security, and non-proliferation remain central to the development of these technologies.

As interest in small modular reactors continues to grow worldwide, the ATLAS initiative may become a defining platform for shaping the future of nuclear energy at sea and unlocking new possibilities for sustainable global transportation and energy supply.