Argentina and Brazil Collaborate on Nuclear Reactor Regulation for Ships
Argentina’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN) and Brazil’s Naval Secretariat for Nuclear Safety and Quality (SecNSNQ) are collaborating to develop regulations for the use of nuclear reactors on ships. This initiative comes as technological advancements, particularly in small modular reactors and shipboard/floating platform reactor projects, create new opportunities and necessitate closer coordination.
The agreement, signed in December, focuses on harmonizing regulatory frameworks, exchanging experiences, and establishing compatible technical approaches to ensure safety, openness, and predictability. Both countries aim to evolve nuclear regulations to accommodate the energy transition and the potential use of nuclear reactors in maritime and river environments globally, with a specific focus on their jurisdictional waters.
This collaboration builds upon 40 years of existing cooperation between Argentina and Brazil regarding nuclear non-proliferation and seeks to strengthen regulatory frameworks in both nations. The framework established will facilitate the exchange of details and technical cooperation for exclusively peaceful purposes related to nuclear energy applications in maritime and river settings.