Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization established in London

A new organization has been recently established by a mix of Classification Societies, Japan and South Korea-based shipbuilders, and various nuclear technology companies to help nuclear and maritime regulators develop appropriate safety standards and rules for the deployment, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power systems under development/proposed for use in the maritime environment.

The Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO), headquartered in London, has been set up by Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas, RINA, HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering, Onomichi Dockyard, and the Vard Group. BWXT Advanced Technologies, a leading supplier of nuclear components and fuel to the US Government, and specialist nuclear technology companies including TerraPower, Core Power, Westinghouse Electric Company; and the consultancy group JEIL Partners are also involved.

Mamdouh el-Shanawany, chairman of NEMO and a former head of the IAEA Safety Assessment Section and Global Nuclear Director at Lloyd’s Register, believes NEMO “will become a valuable and influential voice for floating nuclear power”. He said: “We invite all stakeholders who share our vision and values to join us and become part of this dynamic and forward-looking alliance.”

The executive explained that NEMO would provide the platform needed by its members to network and facilitate discussions with regulators, thus helping foster the development and exchange of best practices when it comes to using advanced nuclear technologies in the maritime industry.

NEMO will host regular events, organize workshops, webinars, and publish regular bulletins and reports for both its members and the wider public, including industry associations, government bodies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, to advance the use of nuclear power in the shipping arena.

Mikael Boe, CEO of Core Power and vice chairman of NEMO, said: “We look forward to working through NEMO with like-minded members to facilitate the uptake of true zero-emissions technology in the maritime sector while upholding the highest safety, security, and environmental standards.”

It is widely accepted that nuclear power has a role to play in decarbonizing the shipping industry and moving it towards a net zero-emissions environment by 2050. But there remain deep concerns over its safety and NEMO is designed to help allay these fears.