- ATLAS Initiative Brings Nuclear Power to Maritime Sector.
- Grossi Meets Greek Leaders to Push Nuclear-Powered Vessels.
- IAEA Eyes Greece for Nuclear Shipping Innovation.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), met with Greek shipowners on Thursday to discuss how nuclear energy could play a role in the future of global goods transportation, reports AP News.
ATLAS: A New Nuclear Initiative for Shipping
This meeting is part of the IAEA’s push for its new initiative, ATLAS – Atomic Technology Licensed for Applications at Sea. The program aims to create a regulatory and safety framework for using nuclear reactors on commercial ships, with the following goals:
- Reduce global emissions
- Enhance shipping efficiency
- Decrease global food prices
High-Level Meetings in Athens
During his time in Athens, Grossi engaged in discussions with important Greek government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos. He also met with the leadership of the Union of Greek Shipowners.
“We are at an important moment for nuclear science and technology, opening new opportunities for Greece, such as the IAEA’s ATLAS initiative for the maritime sector,” Grossi wrote in an online post.
Military Roots and Civilian Challenges
Currently, nuclear propulsion is primarily utilised by advanced naval forces, primarily for submarines and aircraft carriers. The civilian sector hasn’t jumped on board yet, and there are a few reasons for that:
- The hefty investment costs
- The absence of international regulatory guidelines
- Concerns about safety and security, including risks from terrorism, piracy, and geopolitical tensions
Greece’s Pivotal Role in Global Shipping
Greece stands out as one of the leading ship-owning countries in the world, holding a significant portion of the global commercial fleet. Its key role in maritime innovation could shape how nuclear propulsion is embraced throughout the industry.
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Source: AP News
