The Myanmar delegation led by the Chargé d’Affaires a.i./Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United States participated in the Ministerial-level launch of the “Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea” (ATLAS) program. The event was jointly hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC from 26 to 27 August 2026. On the first day, IAEA Director General Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi and U.S. Secretary of Energy H.E. Mr. Chris Wright delivered their opening remarks. The ceremony was attended by ministers, directors general and senior officials from IAEA member states.
During the event, heads of delegations delivered national statements expressing their support for the ATLAS initiative. Discussions focused on maritime nuclear applications, including the deployment of nuclear technologies at sea, legal and regulatory frameworks, safety, security, safeguards, maritime liability, and implementation support.
In his address, the Myanmar Chargé d’Affaires/Ambassador highlighted Myanmar’s maritime geography, characterized by an extensive coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He noted that these waters serve as a globally significant maritime route and a vital source of marine biodiversity and economic potential. He stated that the global maritime sector is undergoing a major transformation with the introduction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). By replacing fossil fuels with SMRs, vessels can travel faster and across longer distances with zero greenhouse gas emissions. He emphasized that as civilian nuclear propulsion systems are introduced into global trade networks, a systematic and internationally uniform regulatory framework is indispensable. He further noted that the IAEA launched ATLAS to bridge the gap between rapid technological innovation and robust nuclear governance. Given Myanmar’s strategic maritime position in the Bay of Bengal and its long coastline, monitoring such international regulatory frameworks is essential for a sustainable future. He concluded by stating that the ATLAS program provides a fundamental roadmap for Myanmar and expressed the country’s strong interest in the initiative.
The first day included panel discussions on the demand, opportunities, and strategic actions for maritime nuclear energy applications. On the second day (27 August 2026), IAEA officials from six ATLAS project groups presented assessments on achieving the vision of the ATLAS. Additionally, the heads of delegations, including the leader of the Myanmar delegation, conducted a study tour of the NS Savannah, the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship, in Baltimore, Maryland.
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