International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Image Credit: IEAE

• IAEA's ATLAS initiative launches in Washington, D.C. on August 26-27
• Programme opens with IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright
• Agenda covers regulation, safety, liability, and classification for nuclear shipping
• Core Power, newcleo, and HD KSOE among industry speakers

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to launch its Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative at a two-day event in Washington, D.C. on August 26-27.

The initiative brings together the international nuclear and maritime communities to address the practical questions that will determine whether nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants can move towards deployment, including regulation, safety, security, safeguards, liability, and classification.

The programme will open with addresses from IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, industry body the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) said in an update to members on Wednesday.

Afternoon panels will cover demand drivers for maritime nuclear, the legal and regulatory framework for deployment at sea, and how the initiative can support deployment.

Industry speakers include Mikal Bøe of Core Power, Stefano Buono of newcleo, and Sangmin Park of HD KSOE, alongside representatives from the IMO, the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation, and the US National Nuclear Security Administration.

NEMO CEO Virginia Crosbie will also speak on the opening panel, with the organisation hosting a launch reception on the first evening.

The launch comes amid accelerating maritime nuclear activity, with Core Power this week signing an agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi to study the port's readiness for floating nuclear plants and nuclear-powered vessels.