President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have signed the landmark Technology Prosperity Deal aimed at deepening cooperation between the US and UK in advanced technologies.
The agreement, announced in Washington on September 18, covers AI, quantum computing and civil nuclear energy, including fusion research.
Officials hailed the deal as a framework to boost innovation, strengthen security and set global standards in rapidly evolving sectors.
The deal highlights potential applications of advanced nuclear power in the maritime sector.
It references exploring civil maritime uses, establishing international standards and even considering a dedicated shipping corridor between US and UK territories.
The shipping industry, under pressure to decarbonise, has long debated the feasibility of nuclear-powered vessels although commercial deployment has yet to materialise.
Analysts say the deal underscores the complex interplay of economic, political and technological factors shaping the container shipping landscape.
Whether this agreement will accelerate the adoption of nuclear propulsion for commercial shipping remains uncertain.
The Technology Prosperity Deal follows reports of investment commitments running into tens of billions of pounds and dollars – signalling a joint intent to lead in strategic technologies while reinforcing the transatlantic partnership.
