LONDON, March 5, 2025 — Lloyd’s Register (LR), a classification society and professional advisor based in the UK, is set to become one of the first maritime organizations leveraging generative AI for permitting. This will be achieved using the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to connect land-based and maritime nuclear applications.

These capabilities aim to improve the regulatory processes surrounding nuclear technology, which Lloyd’s Register will utilize to promote the adoption of nuclear power in maritime settings.

Azure’s generative AI functions by examining historical data from nuclear licensing. This allows engineers to more quickly produce new permit drafts that are ready for review and improvement. The AI can also rapidly search for regulations, precedents, and other relevant data within extensive regulatory datasets.

The technology facilitates a quicker and more economical regulatory route, which is crucial to establishing nuclear power as a practical, clean energy source.

Mark Tipping, LR’s Global Offshore Power To X Director, who is in charge of nuclear technology, stated, “We possess a significant data resource from decades of regulatory submissions that these AI tools can quickly analyze to identify best practices and previous lessons.”

“Together, we are addressing one of the most significant obstacles to implementing nuclear technology: navigating intricate, lengthy, and expensive licensing procedures.”

AI offers the potential to overcome obstacles and unlock the possibilities of nuclear energy in areas such as floating nuclear power plants, offshore applications, and ship propulsion.

Tipping further commented, “Our collaboration with Microsoft offers a fantastic chance to integrate two distinct fields of knowledge: their AI capabilities and our extensive history and understanding of maritime and nuclear safety.”

This partnership was initiated by Lloyd’s Register’s CTIO team. Jeff Scott, Deputy Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, who played a vital role in engaging with Microsoft to explore AI’s application in maritime nuclear regulation, noted, “Regulations should facilitate innovation, not hinder it. By partnering with Microsoft, we are employing AI to streamline processes and accelerate the future of nuclear power in the maritime industry. This represents a significant advancement toward making clean energy a reality at sea.”

Darryl Willis, Microsoft CVP, Energy & Resources Industry, stated, “This collaboration highlights our dedication to using AI to foster innovation and promote sustainability across various industries.”

“By merging our AI capabilities with Lloyd’s Register’s proficiency in maritime and nuclear safety, we are working to reduce regulatory hurdles and make sustainability more achievable for all sectors.”

Notes to editors:

Included with this press release are images, provided with permission from Lucid Catalyst, depicting potential designs for future nuclear power barges—a type of innovative technology that this AI capability will help to expedite.

More information on LR’s expertise in nuclear applications can be found here:

More information on LR’s expertise in AI and digital technology can be found here:

About Lloyd’s Register

Trusted maritime advisors, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean economy.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specializing in marine engineering and technology. Established over 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society, its original purpose was to enhance and standardize safety protocols for ships.

Today, we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services for the marine and offshore industries, assisting clients in designing, constructing, and operating their assets to meet recognized safety and environmental standards.

We also deliver advice, support, and solutions related to fleet performance, optimization, and voyage optimization, thereby enhancing our clients’ digital capabilities. Our digital solutions are currently utilized by more than 20,000 vessels.

In the pursuit of zero emissions, our research, technical knowledge, and industry pioneering efforts are facilitating a secure and sustainable transition in maritime energy.

Lloyd’s Register Group is entirely owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a globally operating charity that is politically and financially independent and dedicated to promoting safety and education.

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