NEMO Gains Official Status With IMO And IAEA, Paving The Way

In a landmark move for maritime decarbonization and nuclear innovation, the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) has been officially granted NGO Consultative Status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and has received a formal invitation to regularly attend sessions of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) General Conference.

This development positions NEMO at the forefront of global efforts to integrate nuclear energy into maritime applications.

Strengthened Role in Global Governance

As a formally recognized non-governmental organization, NEMO will now participate in shaping international policy discussions on nuclear maritime technologies. This includes providing technical guidance, strategic recommendations, and expert insights on nuclear propulsion, floating nuclear power plants, and offshore energy systems.

Key Involvement in IAEA’s ATLAS Initiative

NEMO is also expected to take an active role in IAEA’s ATLAS (Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea) program, launching later in 2025. This global initiative aims to support the creation of robust regulatory frameworks for nuclear-powered maritime technologies.
NEMO will contribute to each of the ATLAS Implementation Groups, helping shape safety and operational standards for nuclear use at sea.

Driving the Nuclear Maritime Transition

Dr. Mamdouh El-Shanawany, Chairman of NEMO, emphasized the significance of this development:

“This major milestone reflects the growing importance of nuclear innovation in the maritime sphere for achieving global decarbonization and energy security goals,” said Dr. Mamdouh El-Shanawany, Chairman of NEMO. “We are honoured to collaborate with the IMO and IAEA to help shape the future of clean maritime energy and ensure that nuclear solutions are deployed safely, securely and effectively across international waters.”

Supporting Global Maritime Decarbonization Goals

NEMO’s new consultative status enhances its ability to support the development of:

• Regulatory frameworks for commercial nuclear propulsion

• Safety standards for nuclear-powered vessels and offshore units

• Best practices for mobile nuclear energy systems

• International collaboration across public and private sectors

This achievement also reinforces NEMO’s commitment to a low-carbon, secure, and innovative maritime future, in line with the IMO’s emissions targets and IAEA’s nuclear safety standards.