WNTI and NEMO Partner to Launch the Next Wave of Maritime Nuclear Innovation
The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) and the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation (NEMO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly shape the future of nuclear-powered shipping and transportable nuclear power plants.
This partnership comes at a pivotal moment, as the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) looks to launch the ATLAS program later this year, designed to assist countries in developing regulations and guidance for the transport of small modular reactors (SMRs) and use of nuclear energy at sea. Together, WNTI and NEMO will combine their expertise, industry insights, and practical experience to support the creation of safe, secure, and sustainable international standards.
Working Together for a Cleaner Future
For over six decades, nuclear and radioactive materials have been transported safely across the globe. Today, that deep-rooted expertise is being directed towards tackling climate change and enabling delivery of the wider United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the maritime shipping industry is currently responsible for approximately 2.9% of global carbon emissions, and reducing this to meet net zero targets is a priority. Civil nuclear propulsion offers a pathway to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by replacing fossil-fuelled engines with compact, emission-free nuclear propulsion systems.
Meanwhile, transportable nuclear power plants (TNPPs) can be delivered by sea or land to regions that lack reliable grid infrastructure or face energy security challenges. Once deployed, these reactors generate clean electricity – and in some cases, high-temperature steam or heat on site. In addition to electricity, TNPPs can support power-hungry applications like hydrogen generation or seawater desalination, helping to address global water scarcity by producing tens of thousands of cubic meters of potable water daily in arid or drought-prone coastal regions.
By enabling both low-carbon maritime mobility and clean, dispatchable energy at the point of need, this collaboration sets the stage for a bold new chapter in nuclear innovation.
Clear Roles and Shared Goals
The partnership aims to champion the development of international standards that prioritise safety, security, and sustainability in both the transport of nuclear and radioactive materials and the use of nuclear energy at sea or in remote deployment locations. By engaging with global institutions such as the IAEA and the IMO, WNTI and NEMO will help shape the standards, regulatory frameworks and technical guidance needed to unlock the full potential of these technologies.
Under the MoU:
- WNTI will focus on the safe transport of nuclear materials and transportable nuclear power plants, drawing on its decades of experience in international nuclear and radioactive materials movement.
- NEMO will lead on issues related to nuclear-powered and propelled ships, including regulation, design, and operations.
- For floating nuclear power plants, both organisations will work side by side.
The partnership also supports the development of WNTI’s new 5-Year Strategy, launching later this year, which prioritises delivery, partnership, and the growth of a global nuclear and radioactive materials transport community. At the same time, NEMO is scaling its initiatives to ensure the safe integration of civilian nuclear ships and mobile nuclear technologies across global markets.
What the Leaders Say Prof. Pete Bryant, Chief Executive Officer, WNTI:
“This new partnership reflects WNTI’s commitment of turning strategy into action. We’re proud to partner with the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation (NEMO) to drive the development of international standards for transportable nuclear power plants and wider applications of nuclear power in the maritime environment. This collaboration is a crucial step toward accelerating clean energy innovation – helping us tackle climate change and deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Dr. Mamdouh El-Shanawany, Chairman, Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation (NEMO):
“Signing this Memorandum of Understanding with WNTI marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to enable the safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear energy at sea. By bringing together our complementary expertise, we are laying the groundwork for a new era of clean maritime transport and reliable, dispatchable energy wherever it is needed most. We look forward to working closely with WNTI to develop robust international standards and unlock the full potential of nuclear innovation to benefit coastal communities, industries, and the environment alike.”
ENDS
Media Contacts
World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI)
Emily Midgley – Marketing and Communications Manager, [email protected]
Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation (NEMO)
Regina Bindao – Head of Operations, [email protected]
About WNTI:
At the forefront of the global nuclear and radioactive material transport industry stands the World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) – a dedicated membership and non-governmental organisation committed to advocating, supporting and driving progress in this critical field. Drawing from a wealth of over 25 years of experience, WNTI is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, recognising that collaboration is essential to making a meaningful impact.
With a network of 57+ influential companies, WNTI provides a dedicated platform and essential resources to drive change and shape the future of nuclear and radioactive material transport. As an institute, we are deeply passionate about tackling the technical challenges that define the industry. We actively engage in lobbying efforts to influence policymakers and ensure the industry’s voice is heard. We also provide a platform for our members to express their concerns and ideas, promoting vibrant debate and discussion that ultimately drives excellence.
About NEMO:
The Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) is an international membership organization for stakeholders involved in all aspects of floating nuclear power and nuclear mobility.
The deployment of floating nuclear is vital to allow the full decarbonisation of many of the most challenging sectors of the global economy.
NEMO’s mission is to help national and international regulators create appropriate future-oriented standards and rules for the deployment, operation and decommissioning of floating nuclear power allowing floating nuclear power solutions to be deployed with the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental justice.
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