At London International Shipping Week (LISW25), a high-level panel hosted by the Indian Register of Shipping tackled one of shipping’s toughest challenges: achieving the IMO’s net zero 2050 targets.

Experts argued that nuclear propulsion could be the critical solution to the industry’s decarbonisation dilemma. The consensus was clear: without government support, private investors are unlikely to take the risks required, and without nuclear, shipping cannot realistically reach its climate goals.

“The private sector does not like technology risks or long lead times. Governments must underwrite nuclear as a green fuel, otherwise the investment simply won’t come,” the panel emphasized.

Scaling Up Alternative Fuels Remains an Uphill Battle

The panel highlighted a stark reality: only 0.4% of shipping fuel today is alternative fuel. With every sector competing for carbon-free molecules, nuclear remains the only scalable energy source capable of powering maritime fleets at the necessary scale.

“Nuclear can provide all the energy we need. I don’t see any other way,” one panellist remarked.

Industry Urgency vs. Public Perception

Speakers cautioned that the sector is “buying time rather than delivering transformation.” While nuclear propulsion could be shipping’s “only chance” to hit net zero, public skepticism and regulatory hurdles remain formidable barriers.

Key participants included Dr. Martin Stopford, Capt. Savraj Mehta, Arun Sharma, Gihan Ismail, and Anouskha Bachraz, moderated by Martin White.

Conclusion: Coordinated Action Is Non-Negotiable

The debate concluded with a strong message: the pathway to shipping decarbonisation will require united action from regulators, investors, and the industry. Nuclear propulsion may be controversial, but it could also be shipping’s only realistic route to net zero by 2050.