Signed by a global alliance of industry stakeholders, this declaration promotes a European initiative to advance nuclear technologies for a safe, sustainable, and decarbonized maritime future
With more than 30 European companies from the French and international nuclear and maritime sectors, Bureau Veritas (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, formally signed the Declaration of Cooperation for Accelerating Nuclear for Maritime Applications to meet Climate Ambitions during the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris, BV said in its news release.
The signing represents a landmark initiative uniting international stakeholders across the nuclear, maritime, research, financial and regulatory communities in a shared commitment to promote a European initiative to advance the safe and sustainable use of nuclear technologies for maritime decarbonization.
The declaration recognizes the critical role of the maritime sector in achieving global climate goals and the need to transition to low-carbon energy systems. It highlights the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to become a safe, reliable, and sustainable solution for maritime and port energy systems. Together, the signatories reaffirmed their commitment to advancing innovation in line with the France 2030 Investment Plan, which allocates €1 billion to the development of innovative nuclear technologies, including SMRs.
The signatories have committed to an ongoing collaborative effort – across industries – to address technological, regulatory, and societal challenges, and to identify pilot projects to test and validate nuclear-powered solutions. The declaration also emphasizes transparent communication on nuclear safety to build public understanding and trust.
In addition, the participants encourage Administrations to develop a robust European ecosystem that will facilitate the development of nuclear technologies in maritime operations; to strengthen international collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO); and to call on governments and institutions to provide regulatory clarity, equitable access to climate finance, and harmonized safety standards. Progress will be reviewed annually to ensure transparency and alignment with global climate and energy transition targets.