IMO Agrees Major Revision of Safety Code for Nuclear-Powered Ships

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has agreed to overhaul its regulations for nuclear-powered ships, following a decision at the 110th session of its Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110). 

Member states and non-governmental organisations had called for updates to the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships (resolution A.491(XII)) and relevant sections of the SOLAS Convention to reflect modern reactor technologies.

A working group at MSC 110 drew up instructions for IMO subcommittees to initiate the revision. On the 26th June, MSC 110 formally assigned the task to the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC), requesting that work begin at the SDC’s next session, scheduled for January 2026.

London-based nuclear technologies developer CORE POWER welcomed the IMO’s decision, emphasising that the revised code must not be confined to pressurised water reactors with direct steam cycle propulsion. It should also encompass recent advances in reactor designs and the all-electric ship concept.

Chief Executive Officer of CORE POWER, Mikal Bøe, thanked IMO delegates for their support during a World Nuclear Transport Institute presentation to MSC 110. 

“This means that we can move forward to create the international framework that governs the safety and security of civilian nuclear shipping,” Bøe said.

The move is yet another step towards modernising the regulatory framework for civilian nuclear propulsion, allowing for closer cooperation between the IMO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), so that safety standards evolve in line with technological progress.

Later this year, the IAEA will formally launch the Atomic Technology Licensed for Application at Sea (ATLAS) project. ATLAS aims to establish the regulatory infrastructure necessary for deploying nuclear propulsion systems and floating small modular reactors offshore and near shore, supporting port facilities and coastal communities.

By revising the nuclear safety code and aligning IMO and IAEA efforts, the global maritime community seeks to facilitate the safe integration of next-generation nuclear technologies. 

The initiative is expected to encourage innovative ship designs, contribute to greenhouse gas reductions and bolster energy security in maritime operations worldwide.

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