The US and UK have just dropped a double whammy of announcements that could reshape energy and maritime policy on both sides of the Atlantic. First, the two nations have agreed to fast-track reactor licensing, slashing timelines from three or four years to just two. They’ve also committed to sharing the workload of new projects entering site licensing—a move that could streamline approvals and cut red tape for nuclear projects. But the real fireworks came with the UK’s £448 million ($610 million) injection into decarbonising shipping. This is where things get interesting.
CORE POWER, a key player in maritime nuclear, wasted no time in calling on the UK to ensure nuclear plays a starring role in those green shipping plans. And they’ve got a point. Floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs)—shipyard-built, affordable, and rapidly deployable—could be a game-changer. Imagine power stations that plug into coastal grids, delivering clean, constant electricity and industrial heat without the wait. Then there’s nuclear-powered cargo ships, which promise zero-emission, long-haul shipping with serious payload capacity.
Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER, didn’t mince words: “Today’s commitments by two leading nuclear and maritime nations to fast-track nuclear projects and enhance energy security are a welcome boost to sector innovators on both sides of the Atlantic.” He’s spot-on. The US and UK are sending a clear signal: nuclear is back on the table, and maritime nuclear could be the dark horse in the decarbonisation race.
But here’s the kicker—CORE POWER isn’t just talking. They’ve already teamed up with naval architects Glosten to design a floating nuclear power plant for US ports. And they’re pushing for the UK and US to include maritime nuclear in their fast-track plans. If they succeed, we could see a surge in shipyard activity, high-tech manufacturing jobs, and a new wave of zero-emission shipping.
The question now is whether governments will take the bait. Maritime nuclear has been stuck in neutral for decades, but with the right regulatory push, it could finally get out of the dock. The US and UK have laid down the gauntlet—will they walk the walk, or is this just another splash in the nuclear pool? One thing’s for sure: if they play their cards right, maritime nuclear could be the sleeper hit of the energy transition.