London International Shipping Week - Experts & Thought Leaders

The UK is well positioned to lead the safe development and deployment of new nuclear power systems for commercial ships and Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs), according to a new report from CORE POWER, NorthStandard and Lloyd’s Register (LR). Technology company CORE POWER, global marine insurer NorthStandard and maritime professional services provider LR have jointly published Advanced Maritime Nuclear: A unique opportunity for the UK.  Deployment of small nuclear reactors The new paper sets out a policy framework for the UK Government to support the deployment The new paper sets out a policy framework for the UK Government to support the deployment of advanced small nuclear reactors on commercial ships and FNPPs. The Department for Transport should include nuclear-powered shipping and FNPPs in an updated Clean Maritime Plan (CMP) and long-term nuclear strategy, the report argues. Net zero by around 2050 Global shipping currently depends on fossil fuels for close to 99% of its energy consumption, but the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is aiming for its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to reach net zero by around 2050. However, alternative fuel options (including biodiesel, methanol, hydrogen and ammonia) face major cost, production, transportation and use challenges. Development of nuclear-powered shipping In the foreword to the paper, Lord Mountevans comments: “The UK has the skills, expertise, and history of innovation to lead the development of nuclear-powered shipping." "By leveraging our decades of experience with small reactors for the Royal Navy, we can decarbonise maritime transport, create jobs, and strengthen Britain’s position as a clean energy world power.” Advanced nuclear technologies in modular designs The Civil Nuclear Roadmap to 2050, published by the last government, envisaged nuclear technologies The UK pledged to triple nuclear energy generation capacity at COP 28. The Civil Nuclear Roadmap to 2050, published by the last government, envisaged nuclear technologies, from Advanced Small Modular Reactors (A-SMRs) to large-scale nuclear plants as part of the UK’s energy mix.  These new, safe and advanced nuclear technologies in modular designs, which allow for straightforward manufacturing and regulatory approval processes that enable dramatic energy efficiency gains for global shipping. Future nuclear operations NorthStandard’s participation in the new paper reflects the role commercial insurability will play in future nuclear operations in the civil maritime space, particularly to cover shipowners’ liability. Paul Jennings, Managing Director, NorthStandard, commented: “The ability to commercially insure nuclear-propelled ships will be vital to the success of bringing nuclear to maritime. It is important that governments understand the need for a civil marine nuclear liability convention within the framework of IMO and work towards creating an appropriate liability regime.” Shore power and expensive connections FNPPs used to alleviate the issues surrounding shore power and expensive connections With the right investments and policies, the UK can develop a multi-billion-pound industry according to the report. In addition to zero pollution, nuclear-powered ships would not rely on shore power in port and could even feed electricity into the grid. FNPPs could also be used to alleviate the issues surrounding shore power and expensive connections to the UK national grid. Energy effectiveness of shipping CORE POWER’s founder and CEO, Mikal Bøe, said: "History has shown that there has never been a great naval power that wasn't also a great maritime power. Maritime nuclear is the catalyst that can reverse the trajectory of the British shipping sector, creating unique competition to Chinese shipbuilding and ocean transport." "The UK has been at the centre of global shipping for centuries, and this report reinforces that maritime nuclear power is not only necessary to improve the energy effectiveness of shipping dramatically but also a £2.5 trillion economic opportunity. Over time, the cost of inaction will far outweigh the cost of being the champion in this rapidly emerging market.” Modern reactor designs and needs CORE POWER, NorthStandard and LR aim to expand potential role for safe nuclear technology Commenting on the launch of the research paper, Andy McKeran, LR’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: "As nuclear technology advances toward maritime applications including Floating Nuclear Power Plants, global regulatory alignment is crucial." "Existing frameworks must be updated to reflect modern reactor designs and operational needs." Safe and sustainable nuclear technology McKeran added: "The UK has the expertise to lead these efforts at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), setting the foundation for safe, insurable, and scalable nuclear-powered shipping." Together, CORE POWER, NorthStandard and LR aim to expand on the potential role for safe and sustainable nuclear technology within the maritime industry at the next London International Shipping Week (LISW) in September 2025.

The UK Chamber of Shipping’s new conference Shipping UK, and London International Shipping Week. (LISW) have announced a partnership as Supporting Organisations for the coming future. Both parties have agreed to support each other with marketing and PR support to help establish Shipping UK and help grow LISW domestically as well as internationally. Shipping UK Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, CEO and co-founder of LISW said, “The UK Chamber of Shipping originated almost 150 years ago and has long been held in the highest esteem both in the UK and abroad, and its forward-looking ambitions and sharp focus on thought leadership in the shipping sector dovetail perfectly with the ethos of London International Shipping Week." "Its inaugural conference on 8 October will help ensure that the dialogue remains current and relevant in each of the fallow years between future LISWs, and I am looking forward to a long, strong, and mutually successful partnership.” Addressing key maritime issues Rhett Hatcher (pictured), CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said, “We aim to establish our Shipping UK conference in the alternate years between LISWs. This will help the industry to continue discussing key issues in London and give UK Chamber members and non-members, the opportunity to come together and network." “While Shipping UK offers a completely different event to the very successful LISW, we see great synergy in helping each other raise the profile of these important industry events, and becoming ‘Supporting Organisations’ seems a great way to achieve this,” he added. Shipping UK will take place on October 8th at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.  LISW25 London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25) will play host to the maritime world in the week of 15-19 September 2025, with hundreds of events attracting thousands of international industry decision-makers to London. The variety of in-person events will be the broadest yet, while the competition is already heating up among sponsors eager to organise the most attractive networking events at the most glamourous venues in London.

Pioneer shipowner Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN), which has been a publicly-listed maritime company for more than 30 years, has given its backing to the highly anticipated Headline Conference of London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25). The LISW25 Headline Conference will once again be held at the prestigious London headquarters of the International Maritime Organization and will be attended by some of the world’s most prominent shipping and government leaders. There will be much to discuss as shipping endeavours to meet its stringent global decarbonisation goals by 2050 and milestone targets. High-level speakers will delve into shipping’s macroeconomics and consider the geopolitical dynamics which have the potential to de-rail world trade. Considering the geopolitical dynamics Athens-headquartered TEN Ltd is an international seaborne trade transporter of energy with a versatile fleet of modern crude, oil, and product tankers, LNG, and shuttle tankers. It lists among its clientele state entities, international oil majors, and major oil traders. The company has grown consistently every year since its establishment in 1993 The company has grown consistently every year since its establishment in 1993. Since its NYSE IPO in 2002, TEN Ltd has provided common shareholders with $800 million in common and preferred share dividends, equating to over $36 million per annum since the issuance of preferred shares in 2013. Innovative and informative intelligence Sean Moloney, co-founder and co-owner of LISW welcomed the support of TEN and stressed that the involvement of the important Greek ship owning market is an crucial factor in the success of LISW as a global event. He commented: “TEN is an established supporter of LISW and we are delighted and honoured to have received their support for next year. As Headline Conference sponsor, TEN will help to ensure that the highest level of debate is evident throughout the conference, embracing innovative and informative intelligence from throughout the trade chain to spark lively discussions and generate vital industry examination. On behalf of Shipping Innovation, I would like to extend my gratitude to Nikolas Tsakos and his colleagues for their long-standing support.”