IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) 110 – Nuclear Propulsion and Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPP)

During MSC 108, from 15 – 24 May 2024, WNTI submitted a gap analysis of the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships. This code was written many years ago and needs to be updated to include newer technologies that may be used in modern nuclear powered merchant ships. As an outcome of this gap analysis document.

As an outcome of this gap analysis document, MSC 110-6-4 – Revision of the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships has been submitted by several co-sponsors (United States, WNTI, Republic of Korea, International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), RINA and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)) calling on MSC to agree that a revision to the Code be given high priority. During the lead up to MSC110, the co-sponsors will continue discussing this paper with other Member States, (Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs), and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to gather support.

The Russian Federation have also submitted MSC 110-18-16 similarly proposing a revision to the Code. This proposal goes further in suggesting that the Code should be expanded to include FNPPs. Read in isolation this proposal can appear comprehensive and well informed; however, it could also be too complicated and over encompassing. The inclusion of FNPPs may make revision of the Code complicated, especially when looking at how it may apply to gravity based-platforms that are floated to their operating location before being sited directly on the seabed. WNTI would like to gather the thoughts and opinions of our membership to determine our position on this proposal. The Russian Federation have submitted an Information Paper to support this proposal.

The Russian Federation have also submitted MSC 110/20/4 that proposes the IMO initiate, in cooperation with the IAEA, a review and update of the 1962 International Convention on Liability of Operators for Nuclear Ships, and Safety Considerations in the Use of Ports and Approaches by Nuclear Merchant Ships No.27, 1968.

WNTI members can access the submitted documents and the supporting documents below.

MSC110 will take place in London between 18 and 27 June, 2025. If you have any comments or questions, please contact Capt. Simon Chaplin.