Nuclear propulsion – UK Maritime Innovation Hub
Exploring safe, future-ready maritime nuclear systems.
The UK Maritime Innovation Hub supports industry, government and research partners in exploring the potential role of civilian nuclear technologies in future maritime operations.
Our focus is on safe innovation, regulatory clarity, and evidence development, ensuring that early-stage concepts and feasibility work are approached responsibly and with a full understanding of the UK’s regulatory landscape.
We do not design or license nuclear systems. Instead, we act as a focal and coordination point, helping innovators navigate the complex ecosystem of regulators, standards bodies, safety requirements and cross-government stakeholders involved in nuclear propulsion.
How we support nuclear innovation
Early-stage guidance and regulatory navigation
Nuclear propulsion involves regulatory responsibilities across maritime, nuclear, safety and environmental domains.
We help organisations:
- understand which regulatory bodies are involved (for example, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), environment agencies and port authorities)
- identify relevant codes, standards and international frameworks
- understand evidence requirements around for safety justification, engineering design, environmental protection, and emergency planning
- route early enquiries to the appropriate experts within and outside the MCA
Feasibility and systems-level considerations
Nuclear concepts require a whole-system thinking approach across vessels, ports, logistics, safety, regulation and public acceptance.
We help innovators explore:
- high-level feasibility considerations, including system architecture, crew competence, and operational boundaries
- integration between naval architecture, reactor systems, containment and safety controls
- interfaces with port and coastal infrastructure systems
Safety, risk and assurance coordination
While nuclear licensing remains the responsibility of specialised regulators, the UK Maritime Innovation Hub:
- helps innovators understand expectations for maritime and nuclear safety cases
- supports early structuring of risk assessments, safety arguments and systems engineering considerations
- identifies dependencies across agencies to reduce misalignment and duplication
Trial, deployment and operational considerations
Nuclear propulsion concepts require phased evidence and demonstration.
We help organisations consider:
- requirements for controlled test environments, simulation and modelling approaches
- data requirements to support performance, reliability and safety assessments
- operational concepts including manning, maintenance, training, emergency preparedness, and the public acceptance of nuclear technologies
- environmental assessment requirements and authority engagement with port and harbour authorities
Cross-government coordination
As nuclear propulsion spans multiple sectors, the UK Maritime Innovation Hub brings together:
- maritime regulators and technical authorities
- nuclear safety and radiation protection bodies
- environmental and port authorities
- academic and industrial experts in advanced nuclear systems
This supports early-stage proposals by bringing together the right expertise and aligning with the UK’s standards for safety and environmental protection.
Areas we commonly support
The UK Maritime Innovation Hub supports:
- early concept framing and feasibility discussions
- understanding cross-regulatory responsibilities and evidence pathways
- safety case structuring and hazard identification
- systems integration considerations (vessel, port, environmental, operational)
- multiagency coordination and engagement planning
Work with us
If you are exploring advanced nuclear concepts for maritime use, from early feasibility to high-level system design questions, the UK Maritime Innovation Hub can help you understand:
- the regulatory landscape
- coordinate with the right authorities
- develop credible, responsible pathways for further work
Contact the UK Maritime Innovation Hub by completing the online form.
For further information, email innovation@mcga.gov.uk.