Civil Maritime Nuclear Sector Poised for Growth Challenges

Maritime attorney Sean Pribyl and Public Policy & Regulation attorneys Andy Kriha and Jim Noe co-authored a Law360 article on the accelerating opportunities and challenges in civil maritime nuclear power. They explain how advanced reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs), are enabling floating nuclear power plants, nuclear‑powered merchant vessels and offshore nuclear installations. Meanwhile, regulators ranging from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) to U.S. regulators including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state utility commissions are trying to keep pace. The authors also analyze licensing pathways, liability and insurance regimes, port‑state and flag‑state jurisdiction, environmental review and first‑mover advantages under the U.S.-U.K. Technology Prosperity Deal memorandum of understanding (MOU), as well as hurdles such as capital costs, specialized insurance, workforce needs and public acceptance.

READ: Civil Maritime Nuclear Sector Poised for Growth, Challenges