In this After-Pop!, host Danielle explores the rise of commercial nuclear propulsion and how companies like CORE Power are reimagining the future of maritime shipping. Unlike military nuclear propulsion systems, these next-gen commercial systems are designed to be safe, scalable, and fully integrated with international safeguards.

This episode covers:

• The technical differences between military nuclear propulsion and commercial nuclear electric propulsion
• Why advanced reactors like molten salt designs are ideal for maritime applications
• What Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) are and how they apply to floating reactors
• The roles of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• Why the first nuclear-powered trade routes will likely be limited to specific corridors

Resources and Further Reading

• World Nuclear Association – Nuclear-Powered Ships Overviewhttps://world-nuclear.org/information-library/non-power-nuclear-applications/transport/nuclear-powered-ships.aspx

• CORE Power – Maritime Nuclear Propulsion
  https://www.corepower.energy/maritime-applications/nuclear-propulsion
• CORE Power – Security and Safeguards
  https://www.corepower.energy/standards-and-regulations/security-and-safeguards
• CORE Power – Embracing Nuclear Propulsion in Ports (Interview)
  https://www.corepower.energy/news/interview-embracing-nuclear-propulsion-in-ports
• IEEE Spectrum – Can Nuclear Power Cargo Ships Clean Up Shipping?
  https://spectrum.ieee.org/nuclear-powered-cargo-ship
• Business Norway – The Future of Nuclear-Powered Ships
  https://businessnorway.com/articles/the-future-of-nuclear-powered-ships