WNTI at the Launch of ATLAS: Charting a Course for Nuclear Technologies at Sea

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officially launched the Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative at a high-level forum held in Washington, D.C., on 26-27 August 2026. The event brought together ministers, regulators, maritime authorities, international organizations, industry leaders, classification societies, and representatives from the nuclear and shipping sectors to establish a global framework for the safe, secure and peaceful deployment of civil nuclear technologies at sea.

ATLAS was created in response to growing interest in the use of advanced nuclear technologies, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), for maritime applications. These applications include nuclear-powered commercial ships, floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs), and transportable nuclear power plants capable of providing reliable low-carbon energy to coastal, offshore and remote locations. The initiative recognizes that while the technology is advancing rapidly, significant work remains to establish internationally accepted approaches to safety, security, safeguards, regulation, liability and public confidence.

The launch event opened with remarks from IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, followed by ministerial statements from participating Member States. These statements highlighted the potential contribution of maritime nuclear technologies to decarbonization, energy security, resilient supply chains and economic development, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.

The technical programme focused on three core themes. The first panel, “Why Nuclear Maritime Now?”, explored the strategic drivers behind renewed interest in nuclear-powered shipping and offshore nuclear applications. Discussions highlighted increasing pressure to decarbonize global shipping, growing energy demands, and the opportunity for nuclear technologies to provide long-endurance, reliable and emissions-free propulsion and power generation.

The second panel, “Enabling Maritime Deployment”, examined the legal, regulatory, safety, security, safeguards and liability frameworks required to support deployment. Speakers emphasized the need for close cooperation between the nuclear and maritime communities, including the IAEA, International Maritime Organization (IMO), national regulators, classification societies, insurers and industry stakeholders. Particular attention was given to harmonizing international standards and addressing public acceptance challenges.

The third panel, “Making Nuclear Maritime Happen”, focused on practical implementation and the role of ATLAS in facilitating deployment. Participants identified the need for coordinated international action, infrastructure planning, fuel-cycle considerations, workforce development and stakeholder engagement. The discussion reinforced the importance of creating mechanisms that enable governments and industry to collaborate effectively as projects move toward commercialization.

The second day of the forum introduced the structure of the ATLAS programme and its project groups. Initial workstreams will address international safety codes and standards, legal and regulatory frameworks, maritime classification, safeguards, nuclear security, and deployment roadmaps covering technology, infrastructure and fuel-cycle issues. These groups are intended to develop practical recommendations and support international consensus on the safe deployment of marine nuclear technologies.

Overall, the launch marked a significant milestone for both the nuclear and maritime sectors. By bringing together governments, regulators and industry under a common framework, ATLAS establishes a platform for international cooperation aimed at enabling the safe, secure and commercially viable deployment of nuclear technologies at sea in the decades ahead.

Capt. Simon Chaplin, Head of Policy and Industry Engagement, representing WNTI said, ‘I was delighted to be able to attend this important launch event on behalf of WNTI. The decarbonisation of energy production is a major element towards achieving global emission reduction targets, and ATLAS will bring together all the right stakeholders from both the maritime and nuclear sectors into a clear, coordinated, and outcome focused effort to rapidly bring nuclear to maritime. Maritime nuclear will not only see large ships using nuclear reactors but also see floating nuclear power plants bringing sustainable, reliable and clean energy to coastal communities and energy hungry industry.‘

While at ATLAS, Simon was able to reconnect with several WNTI member organisations, as well as many long time WNTI partners. ‘WNTI members have much to gain through the successful delivery of ATLAS, and I look forward to working with them and all the other organisations participating in the Project Groups that sit within the ATLAS initiative’, Simon added.

Recordings of the statements, presentations and discussions from both days are available to watch on the event website.