Lloyd's Register and the British Ports Association urge ports to prepare for nuclear-powered vessels, focusing on safety and infrastructure.
The international classification organization Lloyd's Register (LR) and the British Ports Association (BPA) have published a joint report on the use of nuclear-powered commercial vessels and next-generation nuclear energy systems in ports. The report emphasizes that port operators should begin preparations for future applications of nuclear technology, focusing on safety, infrastructure, legislation, and personnel training.
The report titled 'Advanced Nuclear Technology Use Within Port Environments,' released on October 22, 2026, addresses potential applications of nuclear energy in the maritime sector and the operational requirements that ports may face.
Port Readiness for Nuclear-Powered Vessels
The report highlights that if nuclear propulsion systems are used in commercial vessels, ports must reassess their existing security and operational procedures.
It states that special studies should be conducted on the entry and exit processes of nuclear-powered vessels, berthing operations, security zones, radiation monitoring systems, and emergency response plans.
Lloyd's Register and BPA noted that the existing hazardous cargo management and maritime safety systems in ports could serve as a foundation for this process; however, additional measures specific to nuclear technology will be necessary.
The report calls for a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities among port operators, maritime authorities, nuclear regulatory bodies, and emergency response organizations for the acceptance of nuclear-powered vessels.
Small Modular Reactors Can Be Used in Ports
The study evaluated not only nuclear-powered vessels but also next-generation nuclear systems that ports could utilize to meet their own energy needs.
It was noted that small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, and floating nuclear power units are among the technologies that could be used for electricity generation in ports.
These systems could supply power to port shore power infrastructure, cargo handling equipment, cold storage facilities, and surrounding industrial plants.
Additionally, it was recorded that electricity and heat generated from nuclear energy could also be utilized in hydrogen and synthetic fuel production.
One of the Biggest Barriers is International Legislation
According to the report, the primary issues hindering the widespread adoption of nuclear technologies in commercial shipping are not limited to technical matters.
Harmonization of international legislation, determination of legal liabilities, insurance conditions, emergency preparedness, and ensuring public trust are also among the main topics that need to be addressed.
A significant portion of the existing international maritime regulations was established before the advanced nuclear reactor technologies being developed today.
Therefore, it was emphasized that maritime and nuclear safety regulations must be considered together for the acceptance and oversight of nuclear-powered commercial vessels in ports.
Four-Stage Preparation Model for Ports
Lloyd's Register and BPA proposed a four-stage preparation model that ports can implement according to their own conditions.
The first stage involves ports acquiring basic knowledge about nuclear technologies and establishing communication with relevant institutions.
The second stage focuses on identifying suitable berths and facilities, personnel training, monitoring systems, and emergency drills.
The third stage anticipates that ports will reach operational capacity to regularly accept nuclear-powered vessels.
In the final stage, it is evaluated that ports could transform into energy centers housing nuclear power generation facilities and related services.
The report noted that these technologies may not be suitable for every port, and investments should be planned according to local needs and safety requirements.
The Example of Rotterdam Port was Cited
The joint report also included a previous feasibility study conducted on the port visit of a nuclear-powered feeder container ship at Rotterdam Port.
The study, which involved Lloyd's Register, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, CORE POWER, and A.P. Moller-Maersk, demonstrated that existing port safety systems could serve as a starting point for the assessment of nuclear-powered vessels.
However, it was noted that additional work is needed to develop the regulatory framework, clarify safety responsibilities, and manage risks specific to nuclear technology.
'Ports Can Transform into Low-Carbon Energy Centers'
Mark Tipping, Global Offshore Power-to-X Director at Lloyd's Register, stated that advanced nuclear technologies have the potential to transform ports from mere energy-consuming facilities into low-carbon energy and industrial centers.
Tipping emphasized that for this transformation to occur, early collaboration between the technology, safety management, oversight, and maritime and nuclear sectors is crucial.
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, remarked that while nuclear technologies may not be the right solution for every port, the port sector must prepare to evaluate future applications.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
