The Maritime Nuclear Consortium has been launched in the UK aiming to make the kingdom a leader in nuclear propulsion at a time when other nations such as the US and China are also spending greater resources in this field. 

Convened by Lloyd’s Register (LR), the group unites leading expertise from the nuclear, maritime, insurance and regulatory sectors. Other members include Rolls-Royce, Babcock International Group, Global Nuclear Security Partners, Stephenson Harwood and NorthStandard.

More than 700 marine nuclear reactors are in operation in naval fleets worldwide. The challenge is to adapt that technology for commercial use. By shaping rules for emerging reactor designs, the UK aims to position itself as a leading developer of maritime nuclear power. 

Nick Brown, CEO of LR, said: “Decarbonisation demands cleaner power, higher standards and a duty to the generations that follow. Nuclear is ready to meet that test.”

Brown said 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,” Brown argued.