The US Department of Energy will host the ministerial launch of the International Atomic Energy Agency's new maritime nuclear initiative, called ATLAS, in Washington, D.C., on August 26-27, 2026. The event will bring ministers, policymakers and industry leaders together to work on the safe and secure use of nuclear technology at sea.
ATLAS stands for Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea. The initiative aims to build an international framework for the legal and regulatory issues around deploying nuclear systems at sea, drawing on the IAEA's existing role in nuclear safety, security and safeguards. The IAEA describes ATLAS as technology-neutral, with its work centered on safety, security and nonproliferation standards.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said hosting the launch "positions the U.S. nuclear and maritime sectors at the forefront of advanced energy innovation."
A day before the ministerial event, on August 25, the US will hold an Industry Day where American nuclear and maritime companies showcase their technology.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the maritime sector needs to sustain long-distance, high-speed operations while keeping reliability and energy security. He said small modular reactors "offer a safe and viable option for maritime transport and offshore energy systems."
ATLAS will cover floating nuclear power plants and civil nuclear-powered ships. Small modular reactors, the technology expected to power both, offer high energy density and long operating cycles that cut the need for frequent refueling. The IAEA says floating nuclear power plants could supply electricity to remote or coastal communities and support activities such as desalination and oil and gas production, along with giving added flexibility for disaster response.
The IAEA says ATLAS's success will depend on partnerships among its member states, the International Maritime Organization, port authorities, regulators and industry.
