Nuclear Propulsion & Power Production

Nuclear power’s zero-emission profile, high energy density and reliability are spurring interest across the maritime industry. This technology could have a key role to play in achieving the maritime transition to net zero, as well as in shoring up energy security around the world. 

In the maritime industry, nuclear power has high potential as both a means of propulsion for vessels and for floating nuclear power plants. New Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could make nuclear power a solution for: 

• Large ocean-going ships
• Near-shore nuclear power plants
• Offshore nuclear power plants
• Power generation in ports

Overcoming regulatory challenges

Regulatory obstacles remain to wider uptake of nuclear technologies. However, recognition of roadblocks has led to recent progress: 

• In June 2025, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 110th Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) gave its implicit approval to start revising the Nuclear Ship Code, first adopted in 1981.
• In early 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is planning to launch its Atomic Technology License for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) project to create a framework to enable the peaceful use of nuclear technology for maritime applications. 

Liability and insurance also pose a challenge for the wider uptake of nuclear power in the maritime industry. Currently, no liability convention is in force, making it hard for insurers to pool together to actually insure nuclear vessels or power barges.

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Nuclear and maritime experts 

Bureau Veritas Industry and Facilities is a leader in Testing Inspection and Certification activities for the nuclear industry. Meanwhile, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore is a leading classification and independent certification body in the maritime industry. We bring deep expertise from our two businesses to support the development of nuclear maritime applications. 

We are collaborating with maritime and nuclear stakeholders to help build bridges between the two sectors. We have supported both industries and regulatory bodies with our independent technical expertise. Initiatives include: 

• The creation of the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO)
• IAEA forums, sessions and expert working groups on Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs)
• The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) position paper on nuclear propulsion
• IAEA’s preparation to launch the ATLAS project
• Country-based initiatives such as and collaboration between the French nuclear and maritime industry associations 

In addition, we are actively supporting technological developments at the intersection of nuclear and maritime. Recent projects include: 

• Supporting ThorCon with at risk-based Technology Qualification for the development and deployment of a molten salt nuclear power barge in Indonesia. This will be the first transportable nuclear power plant (TNPP) to receive a site license outside Russia.
• Independent review of concepts for FNPPs that use different SMR technologies.
• Independent review of nuclear-propelled vessels. 

We leverage our deep history in the nuclear industry to support our clients across all project stages. We are committed to supporting the adoption of nuclear power in the maritime industry while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

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