US to Partner with UK Firm to Advance Nuclear-Powered Commercial Ships

Stephen Carmel, Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), stated that the United States will sign an agreement with Core Power, a UK-based marine nuclear energy company, to jointly advance the development of a fleet of nuclear-powered commercial ships.

Under the arrangement, Washington plans to sign a public-private cooperation agreement with Core Power. The company will participate in promoting the research and development of nuclear propulsion systems in the shipping sector, accelerating the exploration of applications for this technology in commercial vessels.

In June of this year, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) approved a nuclear-powered ship design proposed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The design is regarded as a significant step forward in the U.S. technological pathway for nuclear-powered commercial ships.

U.S. officials also plan to hold talks with representatives from the UK, France, Japan, South Korea, and other countries on the development of nuclear technology in shipping during the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meeting scheduled for next week in Washington.

Currently, Russia operates the world's largest fleet of nuclear-powered vessels, with its relevant experience primarily concentrated in areas such as nuclear-powered icebreakers.