Lloyd’s Register is leading a new maritime nuclear consortium of UK companies seeking “to set the highest international standards for safe, secure and commercially viable nuclear-powered ships.”
Convened by classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR), the group unites leading expertise from the nuclear, maritime, insurance and regulatory sectors to set out a plan for the nuclear-powered fleet.
The core membership includes Lloyd’s Register (Lead, Safety & Secretariat), Rolls-Royce (Reactor Design), Babcock International Group (Ship Design, Construction and Support), Global Nuclear Security Partners (Security & Safeguards), Stephenson Harwood (Legal & Regulatory) and NorthStandard (Insurance).
The new consortium aims to help the UK lead the global race to decarbonise shipping.
The consortium’s first programme will: demonstrate a Statement of Design Acceptability (SODA) for a generic, site-licensed advanced modular reactor; develop a class certification framework integrating nuclear and maritime regulation; define a security and safeguards architecture to meet regulatory requirements; establish insurability pathways for nuclear-powered vessels; and publish guidance for industry and government to accelerate safe adoption.
Lloyd’s Register noted that more than 700 marine nuclear reactors are in operation in naval fleets worldwide. It says the challenge is to adapt that technology for commercial use.
According to LR, the next generation of advanced modular reactors will allow ships to sail for years without refuelling.
Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, said: “Decarbonisation demands cleaner power, higher standards and a duty to the generations that follow. Nuclear is ready to meet that test.
“Used safely in naval fleets for decades, the next generation of advanced modular reactors brings tougher safeguards and the chance to bring nuclear power into everyday commercial shipping.
“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.”
