Nuclear propulsion is receiving increased attention within commercial shipping, with three separate approvals in principle granted since June 2026 for vessel concepts involving nuclear technology.

The projects include a Korean consortium’s molten salt reactor container ship, a Lloyd’s Register-backed car carrier concept, and a reactor design developed through the MIT Maritime Consortium.

These approvals indicate that classification societies do not see fundamental engineering obstacles to the development of nuclear-powered merchant vessels.

However, they remain early-stage endorsements of concepts and do not permit construction or commercial operation. No nuclear-powered commercial vessel is close to entering service.

On 11 June, Lloyd’s Register granted approval in principle for the conceptual design of a car carrier equipped with a molten salt reactor.

The project, which brings together key names in the industry such as Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, examined reactor integration, vessel arrangement and propulsion configuration among other elements.

The American Bureau of Shipping also issued approval in principle for the integration of a nuclear reactor into a cargo vessel propulsion system. Such approvals represent an initial stage in ship development, recognising that designs meet applicable regulations and safety standards.

Alongside these developments, attention is shifting towards the conditions required for future deployment. Regulatory frameworks, port acceptance, liability provisions, insurance arrangements and public acceptance continue to be cited as the main obstacles to wider adoption. The absence of modern international regulations and liability conventions remains a significant challenge, however, for commercialisation.

Efforts to address these issues are beginning to emerge.

On 22 July, the Port of Long Beach became the first US seaport to formalise a partnership with the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) to advance small modular reactor technology for commercial maritime applications.

The nonbinding agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on nuclear technology for commercial vessels, port operations and other maritime assets.

Although the arrangement does not authorise ship construction, funding or deployment of any specific reactor technology, it reflects increasing engagement from regulators and port authorities as stakeholders explore how nuclear-powered shipping could be accommodated in the future.