July 23, 2025
The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) and the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation (NEMO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly shape the future of nuclear-powered shipping and transportable nuclear power plants.
As explained by the Nuclear Industry Association, this partnership comes at a pivotal moment, as the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) looks to launch the ATLAS program later this year, designed to assist countries in developing regulations and guidance for the transport of small modular reactors (SMRs) and use of nuclear energy at sea.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are being seen as a potential breakthrough, with industry reports highlighting that their compact and inherently safe design could make them suitable for use at sea, provided regulatory challenges are overcome. Furthermore, on a regulatory front, MSC 110 agreed to commence the revision of outdated regulations for nuclear-powered ships.
Together, WNTI and NEMO will combine their expertise, industry insights, and practical experience to support the creation of safe, secure, and sustainable international standards.
The partnership aims to champion the development of international standards that prioritise 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. By engaging with global institutions such as the IAEA and the IMO, WNTI and NEMO will help shape the standards, regulatory frameworks and technical guidance needed to unlock the full potential of these technologies.
Under the MoU:
- WNTI will focus on the safe transport of nuclear materials and transportable nuclear power plants, drawing on its decades of experience in international nuclear and radioactive materials movement.
- NEMO will lead on issues related to nuclear-powered and propelled ships, including regulation, design, and operations.
- For floating nuclear power plants, both organisations will work side by side
This new partnership reflects WNTI’s commitment of turning strategy into action. We’re proud to partner with NEMO to drive the development of international standards for transportable nuclear power plants and wider applications of nuclear power in the maritime environment
… said Prof. Pete Bryant, Chief Executive Officer, WNTI
The partnership also supports the development of WNTI’s new 5-Year Strategy, launching later this year, which prioritises delivery, partnership, and the growth of a global nuclear and radioactive materials transport community. At the same time, NEMO is scaling its initiatives to ensure the safe integration of civilian nuclear ships and mobile nuclear technologies across global markets.
By bringing together our complementary expertise, we are laying the groundwork for a new era of clean maritime transport and reliable, dispatchable energy wherever it is needed most
… commented Dr. Mamdouh El-Shanawany, Chairman, Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation (NEMO).
NEMO was formed in March 2024 by HD Hyundai Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) in collaboration with leading international nuclear energy organizations to support the development of future-oriented standards for floating nuclear power. Earlier this month, NEMO was officially granted NGO Consultative Status at the IMO, and has been formally invited to regularly attend the sessions of IAEA.
