Rafael Mariano Grossi, the leader of the International Atomic Energy Agency, met with Greek shipowners recently to talk about how nuclear power could be used for transporting goods around the world.

The UN agency has launched a project focused on creating guidelines and safety measures for using nuclear reactors on commercial ships, with hopes of cutting emissions, enhancing efficiency, and possibly lowering food prices globally.

Grossi has been actively collaborating with shipping executives in Europe to advance this project, called ATLAS—Atomic Technology Licensed for Applications at Sea.

In a meeting in Athens, he chatted with Greece’s ministers of maritime affairs and development, Giorgos Gerapetritis and Takis Theodorikakos, along with leaders from the Union of Greek Shipowners.

“We are in a pivotal moment for technology, creating new prospects for Greece, such as the IAEA’s ATLAS initiative for the shipping industry,” Grossi shared online.

At present, nuclear propulsion is limited to military vessels, primarily submarines and aircraft carriers.

A broader civilian rollout has faced obstacles due to high initial costs, the need for international regulations, and safety issues. Concerns about terrorism, piracy, and increasing geopolitical tensions are also frequent points of discussion.

Greece remains one of the largest ship-owning nations worldwide, controlling a significant share of the global commercial fleet.