Introduction 

The United Kingdom has long been recognized as a global maritime nation, with strengths spanning shipping, regulation, insurance, engineering and nuclear expertise. As the maritime sector evolves to meet future energy and industrial challenges, these capabilities have the potential to play an important role in enabling civil maritime nuclear technologies. 

In this keynote from the CORE POWER London Summit 2026, Keir Mather MP, UK Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonization, explores the strategic opportunities presented by maritime nuclear and the role government can play in supporting its development. 

Session Overview 

Shipping remains fundamental to international trade, economic resilience and global supply chains. At the same time, increasing pressure to reduce emissions, strengthen energy security and maintain industrial competitiveness is driving interest in new technologies that can support the sector's long-term future. 

During this keynote, the Minister discusses how advanced nuclear technologies could contribute to the maritime sector through applications such as floating nuclear power plants, civil nuclear-powered vessels and supporting infrastructure. The session also considers the UK's unique position, drawing on its maritime heritage, civil and naval nuclear expertise, and leadership within international maritime governance. 

Looking ahead, the discussion explores how these strengths could be brought together within a civil maritime nuclear framework that supports innovation while complementing the UK's existing nuclear capabilities. 

Speaker 

Keir Mather MP 

UK Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonization 

Watch the full session above to hear the discussion in full.