UK Launches Maritime Nuclear Consortium to Decarbonise Shipping
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Lloyd’s Register heads new UK consortium to set global nuclear‑ship standards – The consortium, led by Lloyd’s Register, includes Rolls‑Royce, Babcock International, Global Nuclear Security Partners, Stephenson Harwood and NorthStandard, and aims to establish the highest international safety, security and commercial standards for nuclear‑powered vessels [1].
Shipping contributes 3% of global CO₂, with IMO targeting net‑zero by ~2050 – The sector consumes about 350 million tonnes of fossil fuel each year; in July 2023 the International Maritime Organization approved greenhouse‑gas reduction targets to reach net‑zero emissions around 2050 [1].
First programme will validate reactor design and create certification pathways – Activities include demonstrating a Statement of Design Acceptability for a generic advanced modular reactor, developing a class‑certification framework that merges nuclear and maritime regulation, defining security and safeguards architecture, establishing insurability routes, and publishing guidance for industry and government [1].
UK’s maritime heritage and ecosystem positioned for first‑mover advantage – Lloyd’s Register argues that trusted regulators, world‑class engineering, naval nuclear experience, capital‑market access and northern engineering hubs give the UK credibility to shape international standards and secure high‑skill jobs and supply chains [1].
CEO Nick Brown says nuclear power can deliver zero‑carbon ships and jobs – Brown states that advanced modular reactors, proven in naval fleets, bring tougher safeguards, enable ships to run at full design speed, and will generate work in British shipyards, finance and insurance sectors [1].
Rolls‑Royce director Jake Thompson highlights multi‑sector collaboration – Thompson notes that energy transition priorities make nuclear a key solution, and that the consortium’s collaboration is essential for the UK to lead the development of an international code for nuclear‑powered vessels, leveraging Rolls‑Royce’s full‑lifecycle reactor expertise [1].
- Lloyd’s Register (organisation) – “Maritime nuclear power is a proven, advanced and safe energy source that can tackle one of the toughest challenges in the energy transition.”
- Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register – “Nuclear is ready to meet that test… If the UK leads on global standards, nuclear will mean more than zero‑carbon ships. It will mean work in British shipyards, new business in the City, and lasting jobs for those who build, insure and sail the world’s fleet.”
- Jake Thompson, Director, Rolls‑Royce Advanced Modular Reactors – “Energy transition is a growing priority… nuclear is increasingly seen as part of the solution… the multi‑sector collaboration from the Nuclear Maritime Consortium is a critical first step… Rolls‑Royce is one of the world’s only nuclear reactor vendors with full lifecycle experience and end‑to‑end capability.”