Splash247: Former UK MP takes on maritime nuclear role

Virginia Crosbie has been appointed managing director of the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO), a membership-led body promoting the safe, secure and sustainable use of nuclear technologies in the maritime sector.

Crosbie, who is chair of Supporters of Nuclear Energy (SONE), takes up the role at a time when interest is growing around nuclear-powered and nuclear-assisted shipping as the industry searches for scalable decarbonisation solutions. NEMO is seeking to build its international profile and to support evidence-led policymaking, regulation and the potential deployment of nuclear technologies for maritime applications.

Her background spans both public service and the nuclear industry. Crosbie served as a UK member of parliament from 2019 to 2024, during which time she led the Nuclear Delivery Group and chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Small Modular Reactors. She also remains active in the sector as a board director of the Nuclear Institute.

Wade Allison, honorary secretary of SONE and emeritus professor of physics at the University of Oxford, described the appointment as a strong endorsement of Crosbie’s leadership and expertise.

“At SONE, we have encouraged the deployment of nuclear energy at sea to benefit all nations,” Allison said. “We are proud to see our chair take on this important role at a time when nuclear innovation, including in maritime applications, will be critical to international energy security, decarbonisation and industrial growth with UK leadership.”