Several delegates “agreed that a revision of the Nuclear Code is necessary” at the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee meeting, reports Engine.
Revision of Nuclear Maritime Regulations
The 108th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108) was held in May. The committee reviewed a proposal sent by the World Nuclear Transport Institute at this session, according to Core Power.
A review of the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships was included in the proposal to determine how IMO’s Nuclear Code can be updated to align with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s guidelines on nuclear safety.
CORE Power, a marine engineering firm based in the UK, is involved in promoting nuclear power as a power source for marine applications. It is working on building a floating nuclear power plant to support low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production.
“There is growing recognition at the International Maritime Organization [IMO] that the existing regulatory framework for nuclear-powered ships needs to be updated as part of the work to ensure that the IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction targets can be reached in a safe manner,” Core Power said.
In addition, delegates agreed that there is a need to develop a global legal framework applicable to “modern reactor designs on ships, and on floating nuclear power plants.”
Relevant sub-committees will develop or amend IMO regulations addressing safety gaps related to the use of alternative marine fuels or technologies, including nuclear power.
A working panel will develop recommendations and submit an interim verbal report to MSC 109 in December and a final report to MSC 110 next year.
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Source: Engine
