CYIL vol. 13 (2022)

CYIL 13 ȍ2022Ȏ CHARTING A COURSE TOWARDS A UNIVERSAL REGIME OF LIABILITY FOR NUCLEAR… and efficiencies for the nuclear ship. It is necessary to get international standard in place to promote this development but also protect the public and the precious resource of Earth. 6. Conclusion As we have explored, the world does not have a uniform legal framework in place to govern nuclear ships and the liability that may arise for from a nuclear accident. The Brussels Convention provides a basis for the countries of the world to revisit which would establish liability, jurisdiction, and mandatory insurance to protect the public and environmental welfare but at the same time promote the development and use of nuclear ships. With the evolving policy trend to minimize the burning of fossil fuels to combat climate change and the changing economics, nuclear ship technology may come into favor and see increased utilization in the future. That, combined with advanced reactor technologies and proven use of new nuclear ships as icebreakers by the Russians, indicate nuclear ship construction and operation is likely to increase. To support that advancement, the world needs regulation in place to contain the incredible power and potentially destructive capabilities of a nuclear ship to deter accidental nuclear releases. The Brussels Convention should be revisited. The United States can reasonably implement such a framework into U.S. maritime law. Nuclear shipping containment is feasible and necessary while allowing for the safe, economic development and use of nuclear ships in global commerce.

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