Title: International High-level Forum on the ATLAS Launch

URL Source: https://www.iaea.org/events/atlas2026

Published Time: Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:03:51 GMT

Markdown Content:
## Background

The IAEA Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative will support the maritime industry’s exploration of small modular reactors (SMRs) to power civilian ships and to provide offshore energy, as operators consider alternative fuels and seek to strengthen long-term energy security.

The ATLAS initiative will be unveiled at an IAEA Ministerial level event hosted by the United States in Washington DC on August 26-27.

Nuclear energy is being explored as a safe, viable option for commercial shipping, offering the potential for higher-speed maritime transport without the need for frequent refuelling. At the same time, innovations such as floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) provide versatile energy sources through advanced SMRs and could deliver energy to coastal or remote communities and industry.

## Purpose and Objectives

The ATLAS Launch Event will serve as the high-level official kick-off of the initiative, providing political visibility and endorsement while engaging technical stakeholders to shape its future direction. The event will formally introduce the ATLAS vision, structure and initial work plan, while fostering dialogue among Member States and key stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges associated with nuclear applications at sea.

## Themes and Topics

The scope of the Launch Event will cover, but is not limited to, strategic perspectives on the deployment of civil nuclear-powered ships and FNPPs and the importance of international cooperation between nuclear and maritime communities. Discussions will focus on technological developments in civil nuclear-powered ships and FNPPs, including SMRs, as well as legal, regulatory and policy challenges associated with their deployment in maritime environments. Additional topics will include the harmonization of international standards, nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards across the lifecycle of these technologies, liability and classification considerations, infrastructure and fuel cycle aspects, including radioactive waste management, public perception and stakeholder engagement, and the development and refinement of the ATLAS Project Groups.

## Structure

The ATLAS launch will be a two-day event (26-27 August).

Day one will begin with a Ministerial high-level opening session in the morning, featuring keynote addresses by the IAEA Director General and the Secretary of Energy of the United States of America, followed by statements from the Ministers of the participating IAEA Member States.

In the afternoon of day one, there will be a series of panel discussions on multiple topics related to maritime applications of nuclear technologies.

On day two, IAEA will lead a technical plenary session to discuss the proposed activities of ATLAS and its Project Groups and gather feedback from regulatory bodies, industry,shipping companies, classification societies and other key stakeholders.

Also on day two, invited heads of delegations will have an opportunity to participate in a high-level tour of NS Savannah, the first nuclear powered merchant ship.

## Expected Outcomes

The ATLAS Launch Event is expected to establish strong momentum and visibility for the initiative by securing high-level political endorsement and fostering engagement across the nuclear and maritime sectors.

The Event will provide a platform to present the proposed ATLAS Project Groups and to obtain targeted feedback on their scope, relevance, composition, and future efforts. Participants’ input on the proposed areas of work will directly inform the refinement of these groups and support the development of a balanced and results‑driven framework for ATLAS implementation.

The discussions are expected to deliver a shared understanding and validation of priority actions related to legal and regulatory frameworks, safety, security, safeguards and liability, while strengthening collaboration between the nuclear and maritime sectors.

The event is also expected to enhance alignment between nuclear and maritime stakeholders by identifying key challenges, gaps and areas requiring harmonization.Collectively, this will underpin the development of a clear, actionable and broadly supported roadmap for ATLAS