‘London Talks Live’ opens with nuclear, energy transition and maritime technology taking centre stage

On the very day UK and US firms announced landmark deals heralding a new “golden age” of nuclear power, nuclear in maritime was a key topic at LISW25’s London Talks Live, launched yesterday (15 September) at the Global Hub, County Hall.

The new two-day programme, which continues today, opened with three high-impact sessions that set the tone for a week of thought-provoking debate and senior-level insight across the maritime industry.

Sponsored by NorthStandard, the seminars explore some of the most pressing issues facing global shipping — including nuclear propulsion, energy transition, digitalisation, diversity, and alternative fuels.

The day began with a deep dive into the financial and regulatory landscape surrounding nuclear propulsion in shipping in a session from NorthStandard titled ‘How to finance and insure the future of nuclear in maritime’.

With the International Maritime Organization moving to revise the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships alongside SOLAS, the timing of the discussion was particularly relevant. As Helen Barden, Director External Affairs, North Standard told the packed session: “I think there will be a lot of discussion about nuclear this week."  Other key voices from finance, law and shipowning included Alfred Butrous (Director, Citi Bank),Philip Roche and Eleanor Martin (Partners,Norton Rose Fulbright), Stephanie Heerema (Project Manager Nuclear Developments, Allseas), who examined how capital and coverage can be mobilised to support the next evolution of of nuclear-powered vessels as well as the risk and regulatory issues involved.

The second session ‘Areas of momentum within the Energy Transition’ from Lloyd’s Register was led by Ryan Bax (Lead Consultant, Business Advisory, LR), who outlined the key themes shaping maritime decarbonisation, from the alternative fuel outlook to fleet-level strategies. Insights from Jez Sims(Nuclear & Submarine Technology Specialist, LR) highlighted the potential of wind-assisted propulsion and nuclear innovation in supporting industry targets. Together, the speakers painted a picture of both the opportunities and hurdles in accelerating the energy transition.

The closing debate of the day, ‘London has the vision – but does it have the ecosystem to lead in maritime tech?’, hosted byInmarsat,  tackled London’s role as a potential global hub for maritime technology. Moderated byRichard Meade(Editor-in-Chief,Lloyd’s List), the session brought together leaders includingBen Palmer OBE(President, Inmarsat Maritime),Tanuj Luthra (COO, Zodiac Maritime),Gihan Ismail (Director and Shareholder, Marine Capital), Alex Green (Head of UK desk MOL PLUS, Cvc venture capital arm of Mitsui O.S.K.Lines), and Sarah Sharples (Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Transport).

The discussion probed whether London has the investment, regulation, talent, and infrastructure required to match its vision, identifying both the building blocks in place and the bold actions still needed.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers,Sean Moloney, co-founder and co-CEO, said: “The incredible engagement across the first day's sessions highlights the appetite within the maritime community to confront the sector’s most complex challenges head-on. From nuclear propulsion to energy transition and tech innovation, the conversations we are hosting this week will help shape the direction of global shipping for decades to come.”

London Talks Livecontinues at the Global Hub today (Tuesday) with three further sessions. More details can be found at www.lisw.com