World Nuclear Association Highlights Opportunities for Maritime Decarbonization at PATRAM 2025
The World Nuclear Association participated in PATRAM 2025, a global conference dedicated to the packaging and transportation of radioactive materials, held from 27 July to 1 August 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Hosted by the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM), with support from WNTI, the U.S. DOE, NRC, and DOT, PATRAM 2025 welcomed over 600 global participants, including regulators, industry leaders, shippers, and researchers.
Representing the Association was Allarakha Vora, who contributed to two significant sessions during the event:
🔹 Advancing Nuclear Solutions for Shipping
On 30 July, the World Nuclear Association co-hosted a side event on decarbonizing the shipping industry with reactors for propulsion, in partnership with the World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI). Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director General, World Nuclear Association through her video address highlighted that these technologies offer not just decarbonization, but also energy resilience, economic opportunity, and global collaboration. The session was chaired by Ben Whittard, Nuclear Transport Solutions, and brought together a diverse panel of experts:
Peter Bryant, WNTI
Scott Edwards, Core Power
Carolynn Scherer, IAEA
Ximena Vasquez-Maignan, White & Case
The discussion focused on regulatory frameworks, insurance challenges, and pathways to deploy marine reactors. The event addressed the unique challenges related to reactors for propulsion, and it was exciting to address the emerging opportunities and foster collaboration between stakeholders. Allarakha Vora , World Nuclear Association and Elisa Penda, WNTI developed and delivered this workshop.
🔹 Addressing Operational Challenges in Transport
On 1 August, the Association also presented findings from the Transport Working Group on operational challenges in the transport of radioactive material. The session focused on real-world logistics, regulatory harmonisation, and the need for enhanced international cooperation. It highlighted the crucial role the Transport Working Group plays in addressing the challenges of transporting essential materials for the nuclear industry.
If you like to be part of the solution or stay informed on the opportunities in the transport of radioactive material industry, we welcome you to get involved with the Transport Working Group or contact Allarakha Vora, Staff Director for Transport Working Group.
Looking Ahead
The next PATRAM conference will take place in the United Kingdom in 2028. The World Nuclear Association will continue working with partners to ensure collaboration and standardization of regulation for the transport of radioactive materials.