The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has signed an updated memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Australian nuclear safety agencies as part of the multi-national AUKUS nuclear submarine programme.
The agreements with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the Australian Department of Defence’s Nuclear Powered Submarine Regulatory Design (NPSRD) will enable effective information sharing between the regulatory bodies.
The signing took place during a visit by an Australian delegation to ONR's Bootle office in Merseyside, where they learnt about the UK's licencing arrangements for nuclear submarine construction and maintenance, as well as emergency planning procedures.
AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership established in 2021 between Australia, the UK and the United States.
The partnership aims to strengthen each nation's security and defence capabilities through greater information and technology sharing while fostering deeper integration of defence-related science, technology, industrial bases and supply chains.
A key commitment under AUKUS is supporting the Australian government in acquiring British-designed and built nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.
Mike Finnerty, ONR's Chief Executive and Chief Nuclear Inspector, said: "We were delighted to host the Australian delegation and sign the updated MoC as part of the AUKUS programme.
“One of the objectives of the meeting was to share information about our respective licensing regimes and provide the delegation with an understanding of ONR’s regulatory approach to nuclear submarine construction and maintenance, and off-site emergency planning.
“The discussions were extremely constructive, and we identified a number of ways in which we can continue our collaboration for the benefit of our two nations."
ARPANSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Gillian Hirth AO, said: “Robust regulatory frameworks are critical to the success of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine programme.
“ARPANSA will continue to provide nuclear safety leadership in the lead up to the establishment of a new dedicated naval nuclear power safety regulator in November 2025.
“We look forward to maintaining strong relationships with ONR and other regulatory counterparts to ensure that the community and the environment remain protected from the harmful effects of radiation.”
The Australian delegation's visit also included nuclear site visits to Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby, Devonport, Barrow and London.