AMPERA Participates in International Nuclear Maritime Forum

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) brought together participants from more than 50 countries as part of the Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) global initiative to support the use of nuclear power in civilian shipping and floating nuclear power plants.

AMPERA Founder and CEO Brian Mattews and Vice President of Reactor Engineering Cristian Marciulescu were in attendance for the two-day forum in Washington, DC, as part of the cohort from the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization.

The International High-level Forum on the ATLAS launch included approximately 600 participants including government officials, industry leaders and maritime authorities, marking the first globally coordinated effort to connect the nuclear and maritime sectors.

According to an IAEA forum recap, maritime transport carries around 80% of global trade. As demand for seaborne trade continues to grow by around 2% annually, so does the need for reliable long-distance transport solutions that enhance energy security.

“Nuclear power, including through advanced and innovative reactor technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs), offers high energy density and long endurance, which could allow ships to operate for extended periods without refuelling,” the IAEA said.

As a result of the forum, 25 Member States of the IAEA issued a joint statement.

“The work accomplished at this Ministerial brings us closer to turning the promise of offshore nuclear energy and nuclear-powered shipping into commercial reality,” said U.S Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.