Ports should begin structured planning for advanced nuclear technology now, treating it as a long-term infrastructure and operating-model question rather than a new marine fuel, according to a new joint paper from the British Ports Association (BPA) and Lloyd's Register (LR).

Advanced Nuclear Technology Use Within Port Environments outlines how nuclear power could support ports’ growing demand for reliable, low-carbon power while creating new maritime and industrial opportunities. Potential applications include nuclear-powered ship calls, floating or transportable nuclear power units, and land-based small modular reactors or microreactors to power port operations and support fuel production.

The report finds that the most significant barriers are not solely technical.…