IMO Joins ATLAS Initiative to Strengthen Maritime Law and Safety for Nuclear Technologies at Sea
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in launching the ATLAS initiative, a new international platform focused on the safe, secure and safeguarded use of nuclear technologies at sea. The initiative was launched during the IAEA’s High-Level Forum in Washington, D.C., held from 26–27 August 2026, as global interest grows in advanced maritime nuclear applications and the potential future use of nuclear-powered ships.
IMO’s participation brings maritime law, maritime safety, maritime security and marine environmental protection into discussions surrounding the future deployment of nuclear technologies at sea. The organization contributed to discussions on the legal, regulatory, safety, security, safeguards and liability frameworks that would be required to support potential future nuclear-powered ships and other maritime nuclear applications.
ATLAS, which stands for Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea, is designed to strengthen international cooperation on the safe, secure and safeguarded use of nuclear technologies in the maritime sector. The initiative reflects growing global interest in advanced nuclear applications at sea and the need for appropriate international frameworks to address the complex legal, regulatory and safety considerations associated with their potential deployment.
During the forum, IMO’s Deputy Director at the Maritime Safety Division (Marine Technology and Cargoes), Mr. Masud Karim, highlighted the organization’s mandate for global ship safety, maritime security and marine environmental protection. He also emphasized the complementary role of the IAEA in areas related to nuclear safety, nuclear security and nuclear safeguards.
International Cooperation Central to Maritime Nuclear Safety
The launch of ATLAS is expected to provide a structured platform for dialogue among governments, regulators, international organizations, industry representatives and other stakeholders. Such cooperation will be important as countries and maritime stakeholders examine the opportunities and challenges associated with advanced nuclear technologies at sea.
From a maritime law and regulatory perspective, the potential deployment of nuclear-powered ships would require robust international frameworks covering safety, security, safeguards, liability and environmental protection. IMO’s involvement ensures that the maritime dimensions of these discussions remain closely connected with existing international standards for ship safety and maritime security.
IMO and IAEA Strengthen Cooperation on Future Nuclear Shipping
IMO’s participation in the ATLAS launch reinforces its commitment to continued cooperation with the IAEA and Member States. The organization said such cooperation is intended to help ensure that any future maritime nuclear innovation is supported by robust international standards while maintaining high levels of safety, security and environmental protection.
As interest in advanced maritime nuclear applications develops, continued cooperation between international organizations, governments, regulators and industry will remain important in establishing the frameworks needed for their potential future use at sea.
Read: What is Maritime Law? A Complete Guide to Maritime Admiralty Law and Shipping Regulations
