At CORE POWER’s recent European Summit in London, industry leaders gathered to tackle a pressing issue: building a skilled maritime nuclear workforce. The panel, featuring experts from CORE POWER, Maine Maritime Academy, Cambridge University, OSM Thorne, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and Strathclyde University, delved into the challenges and opportunities of cultivating a workforce capable of operating advanced nuclear-powered vessels.
The discussion underscored that the maritime nuclear workforce is the “ultimate long lead item,” requiring years of specialized training and experience. Unlike other industries, the nuclear maritime sector demands a careful coordination of efforts across governments, industry players, and educational institutions to navigate the intricate regulatory landscape and stringent safety and security requirements.
Attracting and retaining talent emerged as a significant challenge. While the sector offers the allure of cutting-edge technology and prestigious career paths, financial incentives often draw professionals to more lucrative sectors like oil, gas, and mining. This dynamic, according to the panellists, risks compromising safety culture if monetary motivations overshadow operational rigour.
Retention issues are further compounded by lifestyle factors. Younger generations of mariners increasingly seek better work-life balance, favouring schedules that offer consistent time onshore and proximity to family. The nuclear maritime sector, particularly with coastal deployments, may have an advantage here, offering shorter shifts and better access to urban centres compared to traditional deep-sea shipping.
Cultivating a strong, aspirational culture was highlighted as essential. Workers want to feel proud of their roles and connected to an organisation that values excellence and continuous improvement. This culture must be embedded vertically, across all levels of the organisation, and promoted as a key element in recruitment and retention strategies.
The panel also emphasized the importance of collective bargaining agreements, which can offer flexible and fair work conditions adapted to modern workforce needs, supporting both productivity and employee well-being.
Deploying advanced nuclear technologies aboard ships, especially fourth-generation reactors, brings new operational complexities. Operators will require a profound and evolving knowledge of these systems, sometimes supported remotely by experts with deep reactor physics expertise. Existing regulatory frameworks, such as those developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and national bodies like the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), provide a solid foundation for creating rigorous training and education programmes. Industry-wide collaboration, possibly through consortia that include vendors, operators, and academic institutions, was recommended to ensure training is comprehensive and aligned with evolving technologies.
Initial deployments of nuclear-powered vessels may require larger crews to manage complex new systems safely. However, as technologies mature and operational experience grows, crew sizes can be optimised and reduced without compromising safety. Flexibility will be key, as workforce needs will vary depending on the specific reactor technologies and operational profiles of the vessels.
Addressing the maritime nuclear workforce challenge requires coordinated efforts among governments, regulatory agencies, companies, unions, and educational bodies. These entities must collaborate to establish clear career pathways, invest in training pipelines, and cultivate a culture of safety and excellence.
The maritime nuclear industry is poised to offer exciting career opportunities that combine technology, environmental stewardship, and global impact. Yet, success depends on building a workforce that is well-trained, motivated, and supported by a strong culture and robust institutional frameworks. With thoughtful investment and collaboration, the sector can navigate these challenges and unlock its full potential.
This discussion at the CORE POWER European Summit highlights the critical need for a coordinated approach to workforce development in the maritime nuclear sector. As the industry evolves, the insights shared by these experts will be instrumental in shaping the future of nuclear-powered shipping, ensuring that it is safe, sustainable, and supported by a skilled and motivated workforce.