The United States (US) has announced the hosting of International High-level Forum for International Atomic Energy Agency’s Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative in Washington later this month.
According to a media note issued by the U.S. Department of State on August 6th, 2026, the landmark event will be held at the Waldorf Astoria from August 26th to 27th. It is expected to bring together ministers, policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from around the world to advance the safe and secure deployment of civil nuclear energy applications at sea.
An Industry Day is scheduled for August 25th, 2026, and will highlight leading American companies in the nuclear and maritime sectors while showcasing U.S. leadership in civil maritime nuclear technology.
The State Department said nuclear energy has significant potential to transform commercial shipping by enabling faster maritime transport without the need for frequent refueling. It added that floating nuclear power plants powered by advanced small modular reactors could provide reliable electricity to remote and coastal communities while supporting desalination projects and offshore energy production.
Through the ATLAS initiative, the IAEA aims to bring together key stakeholders, including Member States, the International Maritime Organization, port authorities, nuclear and maritime regulators, and industry representatives, to address the legal, regulatory, and technical challenges associated with deploying nuclear technology at sea.
The United States said its commitment to safety, security, and nuclear nonproliferation will help shape the future of the initiative. It described ATLAS as a first-of-its-kind global partnership designed to support a new era of safe, credible, and scalable nuclear energy for maritime applications.
The announcement also aligns with President Trump’s commitment to revitalize innovation in nuclear technologies and expand access to nuclear power.
